So long cabin fever—spring is just around the corner! And there’s no better time to get out there and explore all the amazing culture our region has to offer.
ART
Peter Demos: NEON
Hundred Mile Gallery, Rhinebeck
Until March 13
Curated by local photographer Doron Gild, this collection of abstract paintings by Peter Demos portrays a limited palette of black, white, and neon to show how small differences in composition can alter the perspective of a piece. 100mileny.com
There is a Body
Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah
Opens March 17
Historically, in the Western canon, the arts of African civilizations have been appropriated and analyzed without cultural context. In this exhibition, five contemporary artists—including Lyle Ashton Harris and Sanford Biggers—display works that connect African art pieces and styles with personal history. katonahmuseum.org
Women at Work: Photography and Labor
The Loeb, Poughkeepsie
Until March 31
In what has historically been a male-dominated field, women photographers have pushed past inequity to make significant contributions to the practice. In this single gallery show, The Loeb displays images by female photographers that display the relationship between photography and labor. vassar.edu/theloeb
Body Maps
University Art Museum, Albany
Until April 3
A collection of many art genres aims to explore the relationship between body and self. How can a body in art represent shared cultural experiences and larger themes? albany.edu/museum
Bibliography
The Dorsky, New Paltz
Until April 7
Every year, The Dorsky exhibits contemporary pieces from various regional artists. For 2024, artworks from Osi Audu, Stevenson Estime, Audra Wolowiec, and more will incorporate books to place the pieces into a greater context of knowledge and social implications. newpaltz.edu/museum
Steve McQueen
Dia Beacon
Opens May 12
Dia’s 30,000-square-foot gallery space will be transformed into an immersive installation by British filmmaker Steve McQueen. Throughout his 30-plus-year career, McQueen has incorporated themes like history, class, and race. Visitors will see his work projected on large walls and displayed on small monitors. diaart.org
Embrace: Cinematic Moments by James Seward
Hudson River Museum, Yonkers
Until May 12
Iconic frames in films such as “The Godfather” and “Brokeback Mountain” are isolated and painted by artist James Seward. His paintings encourage viewers to reconsider universal emotions captured in a hug—from joy and love to loss or betrayal. hrm.org
Global Connections
The Dorsky, New Paltz
Ongoing
This exhibition highlights the works of four artists who crossed paths in New York City in the 1920s. Their aesthetic styles range from African-centric imagery to caricature-like drawings of people, but all reflect cultural influences from their respective backgrounds and travels. newpaltz.edu/museum
Making a Life in Photography: Rollie McKenna
The Loeb, Poughkeepsie
Ongoing
This is the first-ever survey of American photographer Rosalie (Rollie) Thorne McKenna’s career. It showcases her contributions to architectural and portrait photography. McKenna’s pictures have been featured in magazines such as Harper’s, Vanity Fair, and Vogue, and subjects of hers include famous writers like Truman Capote and Sylvia Plath. vassar.edu/theloeb
Rivers Flow/Artists Connect
Hudson River Museum, Yonkers
Ongoing
Artists from the last two centuries explore the mutually beneficial relationship we have with significant waterways like the Hudson, Susquehanna, and Missouri rivers. The show—which includes an array of ceramics, paintings, and photographs—resides in the Hudson River Museum’s new West Wing galleries. hrm.org
DANCE
Spring Dance Concert
Fisher Center, Annandale-on-Hudson
March 8–10
Bard College students show off their choreography and dance acumen with the help of professional costume makers and lighting design specialists. fishercenter.bard.edu
Ladies of Hip Hop
The Orpheum Performing Arts Center, Tannersville
March 30, 7 P.M.
Members of the Black Dancing Bodies collective aim to respond to one question through movement: If I could speak my mind, what would I say? Expect dance styles like African, hip-hop, vogue, house, and waacking on display at the premiere. catskillmtn.org
Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company
The Egg, Albany
May 18, 8 P.M.
As part of the “Dance in Albany” performance series, The Egg’s resident dance company take the stage with works from choreographer Ellen Sinopoli. The program will span genres of dance from the company’s unique repertory. theegg.org
FILM
“UnCharitable”
Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville
March 4, 7 P.M.
In this feature-length documentary, director Stephen Gyllenhaal shines a light on the dark side of philanthropy and calls to action a new way of supporting charities. burnsfilmcenter.org
Indigiqueer
EMPAC, Troy
March 26, 7 P.M.
Artist Theo Jean Cuthand shows experimental films that are part documentary, part fiction, and part hand-drawn animation. His videos explore topics of indigeneity, love, queer identity, and colonization. The showing is followed up with a discussion. empac.rpi.edu
Nyack International Film Festival
Hotel Nyack, Nyack
April 1–7
The 12th annual Nyack Film Festival returns this spring. Directors and aficionados from the tri-state area and beyond will gather to screen films throughout the first week of April, with filmmakers competing for titles such as “Best Feature Film” and “Best Animation.” nyackfilmfestival.com
MUSIC
Danú
The Orpheum Performing Arts Center, Tannersville
March 2, 7 P.M.
Traditional Irish music comes to the Catskills. For nearly three decades, Danú has transported audiences to Ireland with songs led by fiddle, button accordion, tin whistle, and vocals in both English and Irish languages. catskillmtn.org
Jim Messina
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
March 2, 8 P.M.
Musician and recording artist Jim Messina has long been known for his folk rock and soft rock tunes. Pulling from his own solo career, as well as from the discography of former bands Buffalo Springfield and Loggins and Messina, the artist will perform an array of old and new material at Bethel Woods’ first concert of the year. bethelwoodscenter.org
Taj Mahal Quartet and Sona Jobarteh
The Egg, Albany
March 7, 7:30 P.M.
This double concert will feature sets from blues player Taj Mahal and his quartet and Afropop musician Sona Jobarteh.theegg.org
Will Hoge
City Winery, Montgomery
March 10, 7 P.M.
Country-rocker Will Hoge sings songs (from his twelfth studio album “Wings On My Shoes”) about looking for silver linings and the bright moments in dark times. citywinery.com/hudson-valley
Silversun Pickups
The Egg, Albany
March 11, 8 P.M.
Los Angeles-based alternative rock band Silversun Pickups comes to The Egg in support of their sixth album “Physical Thrills.” On top of new music, concertgoers can expect to hear old favorites such as “Lazy Eye” and “Panic Switch.” theegg.org
Akoma
EMPAC, Troy
March 15, 8 P.M.
Electronic musician Jlin presents a rhythmic work-in-progress show influenced by post-house music. A visual, interactive landscape developed by multidisciplinary artist Florence To will accompany and enhance the concert. empac.rpi.edu
Rend Collective
UPAC, Kingston
March 16, 7 P.M.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a night early with the native Irish Rend Collective. This tour commemorates the 10th anniversary of the band’s third album “Campfire,” a collection of acoustic songs recorded around an actual fire on a northern Irish beach. bardavon.org
Schwab Vocal Rising Stars
Caramoor, Katonah
March 17, 3 P.M.
This group is comprised of four young singers and a pianist selected by Caramoor’s artistic director. After completing a week-long mentoring program, the ensemble will perform “Eros and Co.,” a mix of romantic songs by Saint-Saens, Sondheim, and other famous composers. caramoor.org
Nickel Creek
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy
March 22, 8 P.M.
Since forming in 1989, this trio (comprised of mandolinist Chris Thile, violinist Sara Watkins, and guitarist Sean Watkins) has revolutionized the Americana genre. After a nine-year hiatus, Nickel Creek released “Celebrants,” with 18 new acoustic tracks. troymusichall.org
John Pizzarelli Trio
Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck
March 23, 8 P.M.
Guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli performs this spring with a new trio. His program features both Broadway and movie classics, including a selection of tunes from “Oklahoma!” and singles from the soundtracks of “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Toy Story 2.” emelin.org
An Evening with Micky Dolenz of The Monkees
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Peekskill
March 23, 8 P.M.
With a decades-spanning career as an actor, musician, director, and writer, Micky Dolenz (drummer of The Monkees) has range. He will perform an array of songs from his solo career and recent projects like “Dolenz Sings R.E.M.” paramounthudsonvalley.com/events
Hot Club of Cowtown
The Towne Crier Café, Beacon
March 24, 7 P.M.
Dancing is encouraged during the Hot Club of Cowtown show, a string trio that specializes in upbeat tunes that fuse blues, country, and jazz. townecrier.com
Raul Malo
City Winery, Montgomery
March 26, 7 P.M.
The front man of Grammy-award-winning country fusion band The Mavericks comes to Orange County to perform hits such as “What a Crying Shame,” “Dance the Night Away,” and “Back in Your Arms Again.” Raul Malo will be supported by special guest Seth Walker. citywinery.com/hudson-valley
Black Violin
Palace Theatre, Albany
March 29, 8 P.M.
Forget what you think you know about violin concerts. Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste, the duo behind Grammy-nominated Black Violin, reinvent the performance style by fusing classical sounds with energetic hip-hop beats backed by a drummer, DJ, and keyboard player. palacealbany.org
Masters of the Telecaster
Bearsville Theater, Woodstock
March 30, 8 P.M.
Famous guitarists Jim Weider (The Band), G. E. Smith (Hall & Oates), and Larry Campbell (Phil Lesh and Friends) team up to display their spectacular talents playing Fender Telecaster electric guitars. bearsvilletheater.com
Joshua Radin
City Winery, Montgomery
April 4, 8 P.M.
An American singer-songwriter, Joshua Radin is a folk guitarist who has released nine studio albums. This spring, he is joined on tour by pop multi-instrumentalist Maddie Poppe. citywinery.com/hudson-valley
Benise – Fiesta!
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Peekskill
April 13, 7:30 P.M.
Spanish guitar player Benise and his Emmy-winning production comes to Peekskill as part of a global tour. Rock ballads from Led Zeppelin and AC/DC, as well as classical compositions like “Ave Maria” and “Moonlight Sonata,” will be performed with a flamenco twist. paramounthudsonvalley.com
Beethoven’s Sixth & The Rite of Spring
The Fisher Center, Annandale-on-Hudson
April 6–7
The Orchestra Now, comprised of musicians from the conservatory at Bard College, celebrates the vernal equinox with three classical compositions: Wellesz’s “The Dawn of Spring,” Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” and the Sixth Symphony by Beethoven. (You may know The Orchestra Now from its appearance in the 2023 film “Maestro.”) fishercenter.bard.edu
Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Being Alive
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Peekskill
April 12, 8 P.M.
Widely recognizable from his roles as Che Guevara in “Evita” and Inigo Montoya in “The Princess Bride,” Mandy Patinkin makes his debut in Peekskill with a program that spans Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway hits to Harry Chapin’s folk-rock ballads. paramounthudsonvalley.com
April in Paris
Doctorow Center for the Arts, Hunter
April 13, 2 P.M.
Husband-and-wife duo Jeffrey Langford (a musicologist) and Joanne Polk (a pianist) take audience members on a romantic musical stroll through Paris. Songs from Cole Porter and Claude Debussy will be performed, among others. catskillmtn.org
Lakecia Benjamin & Phoenix
Caramoor, Katonah
April 19, 8 P.M.
Alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin and her backing quartet put on a fun, energetic jazz show with hints of funk, hip-hop, and soul. caramoor.org
Alan Doyle
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel
April 24, 8 P.M.
Canadian musician and actor Alan Doyle has performed for over 30 years—including two decades as the lead singer of Great Big Sea. His concert in Bethel Woods’ Event Gallery will include highlights from his five solo albums, supported by a six-piece band. bethelwoodscenter.org
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Colony, Woodstock
April 25, 8 P.M.
Philadelphia-based musician Alec Ounsworth (know professionally as Clap Your Hands Say Yeah) brings original indie rock songs to the Colony stage. colonywoodstock.com
Amythyst Kiah
Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck
April 26, 8 P.M.
Hailing from Tennessee, singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah is at the forefront of the Black folk revival. Kiah will take the stage at the Emelin to belt out her blues rock songs such as Grammy-nominated “Black Myself,” “Fancy Drones,” and “Wild Turkey.” emelin.org
Slaughter Beach, Dog
Levon Helm Studios, Woodstock
April 28, 8 P.M.
The Levon Helm Studios barn hosts indie rockers Slaughter Beach, Dog, the current project of former Modern Baseball co-frontman Jake Ewald. levonhelm.com
Rodrigo y Gabriela
UPAC, Kingston
May 1, 7:30 P.M.
Fusing rock, heavy metal, and flamenco genres, Grammy-winning duo Rodrigo y Gabriela are known for their distinct style of guitar playing. The pair stops in Kingston as part of a world tour supporting their 2023 album “In Between Thoughts…A New World,” which features their dual guitars accompanied by a full orchestra. bardavon.org
Violinist as Composer
The Fisher Center, Annandale-on-Hudson
May 4–5
Orchestral conductor Leon Botstein presents a program that spotlights four European violinists and composers, including Grazyna Bacewicz and Joseph Joachim. Renowned violinist Nikita Boriso-Glebsky will join The Orchestra Now to perform Joachim’s “Variations for Violin and Orchestra.” fishercenter.bard.edu
Jake Blount
Caramoor, Katonah
May 11, 8 P.M.
Multi-instrumentalist Jake Blount explores the folk traditions of Black and Indigenous Americans through this blues-meets-bluegrass concert comprised of banjo, fiddle, and vocals. caramoor.org
Seong-Jin Cho
Caramoor, Katonah
May 15, 7:30 P.M.
Seong-Jin Cho is a modern classical music star known for his poetic style of piano playing. In this intimate recital in Caramoor’s Music Room, the artist tackles pieces by Haydn, Ravel, and Liszt. caramoor.org
PERFORMANCE
Giraffes Can’t Dance
Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown
March 9, 2 P.M.
Based on the children’s book Giraffes Can’t Dance, this family-friendly musical follows the story of Gerald, a giraffe who can’t find his special step. With the help of a cricket, he’s able to finally dance to the beat of his own drum, accompanied by puppets, animal costumes, and African rhythms. tarrytownmusichall.org
The Peking Acrobats
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Peekskill
March 22, 7:30 P.M.
Gymnastics, trick cycling, and daring balancing maneuvers are among the feats The Peking Acrobats have been performing for over 30 years. The display of acrobatics, live musicians playing traditional instruments, and special effects are just like those of an authentic Chinese carnival. paramounthudsonvalley.com
Susceptible Chambers
EMPAC, Troy
April 5, 8 P.M.
Developed during a series of residencies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s EMPAC, this concert by composer-performers Antonia Barnett-McIntosh and Jessie Marino uses altered musical instruments and microphones to experiment with sound, as well as light and color arrangements. empac.rpi.edu
The Rainbow Fish
Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck
April 6, 11 A.M. AND 2 P.M.
A stage adaptation of the award-winning children’s story by Marcus Pfister, the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia tells the tale of The Rainbow Fish with puppetry, colorful sets and effects, and an original score. emelin.org
Spring Awakening
Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes
April 12–28
The eight-time Tony Award-winning musical “Spring Awakening” tackles taboo topics through rock ballads. The story follows the lives of adolescents who are discovering the complexities of life and love while living in a repressive society. thecohoesmusichall.org
Urinetown: The Musical
SUNY New Paltz
April 12–14, 18–21
In this satirical Broadway musical, a fictional city is afflicted by a terrible water shortage. To conserve resources, the government has forbidden the use of private toilets and makes citizens pay to use public bathrooms owned by a corrupt figurehead. Who will watch idly and who will revolt? newpaltz.edu/fpa/theatre
Mutts Gone Nuts
The Egg, Albany
April 14, 3 P.M.
This funny, kid-friendly spectacle is led by five talented dogs who can perform jumps, dances, flips, and more. Adults with children will receive free admission. theegg.org
Measure for Measure
SUNY New Paltz
April 27, 7 P.M., APRIL 28, 2 P.M.
In this staged reading of William Shakespeare’s play “Measure for Measure,” student actors will transport audience members from the Hudson Valley to Vienna. Watch how The Duke and his deputy, Angelo, act to clean up their city. newpaltz.edu/fpa/theatre
Circus
The Bardavon, Poughkeepsie
May 16, 7 P.M.
Over 100 fifth graders from Poughkeepsie’s Morse Elementary School will perform classic circus acts like juggling, balancing, clowning, and acrobatics. It’s the result of a two-week in-school residency by circus arts educator Sean Patrick Fagan; the program is created by students, who use recycled items to create props. bardavon.org
COMEDY
Nikki Glaser
The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester
March 10, 8 P.M.
One of the most prolific female entertainers of today, Nikki Glaser’s “The Good Girl Tour” is packed with the brutally honest, no-holds-barred style of comedy she’s built her career on. thecapitoltheatre.com
Jo Koy
MJN Convention Center, Poughkeepsie
March 21, 8–10 P.M.
Stand-up comic Jo Koy—who you may recognize as the host of this year’s Golden Globes—pulls inspiration for his relatable jokes from day-to-day experiences and family life. midhudsonciviccenter.org
One Funny Lisa Marie
Laugh it Up Comedy Club, Poughkeepsie
March 23, 3 P.M.
Lisa Marie Riley’s uplifting jokes and musings on daily life and parenthood have garnered the attention of over 500,000 fans across social media platforms. In this intimate live show, she will share humorous stories and answer audience questions. Audience members can order drinks and appetizers from Mahoney’s Irish Pub & Steakhouse during the show. laughitupcomedy.com
Wanda Sykes
UPAC, Kingston
April 13, 7:30 P.M.
Known for her signature style of political comedy, government worker-turned-entertainer Wanda Sykes returns to the stage with her “Please & Thank You” tour. bardavon.org
Mike Birbiglia
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy
May 15, 7 P.M.
In his new hour “Please Stop the Ride,” comic and actor Mike Birbiglia tells personal jokes in a narrative format that mirrors a one-man show. troymusichall.org
MASTER CLASS
Want a personal tour of a local museum? Download the free app Bloomberg Connects, developed by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which offers exhibition guides and location information—including the history and artists behind specific displays—for over 150 cultural institutions. In the Hudson Valley, you can use the app to explore Art Omi (Ghent), Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild (Woodstock), The Dorsky (New Paltz), The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center (Poughkeepsie), Dia Beacon, Magazzino (Cold Spring), Storm King Art Center (New Windsor), and The Gordon Parks Foundation (Pleasantville).
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