All phone numbers are in area code 518 unless otherwise indicated.  All addresses are in Hudson unless otherwise indicated.

MEETINGS

Thursday, February 16

Hudson Common Council Economic Development Committee Meeting – 6 pm – City Hall

Next Tuesday, February 21

Hudson Common Council Finance Committee Meeting – 5:30 pm – City Hall

Hudson Common Council Formal Meeting – 7 pm – City Hall

Next Wednesday, February 22

Hudson Common Council Public Works Committee Meeting – 5:30 pm – City Hall

Hudson Common Council Legal Committee Meeting – 6:15 pm – City Hall

ELLEN’S PICKS

Yippee!  Every day is a Snow Day!  and time for Snowshoeing and Sledding (and shoveling) – Snowshoeing and sledding will take place all winter long at public conservation areas in Columbia County, when conditions allow – Join the Columbia Land Conservancy email list by sending a message to [email protected].  John will send a message to you with a time and location when conditions are right for outdoor recreation.  For further information contact John Horton at the Columbia Land Conservancy at 392-5252.

Thursday, February 16

The Hudson Area Library History Room, as part of its Local History Speaker Series, presents a talk by Jon Meredith called The Blue & the Gray:  Early Potteries In and Around Hudson – Mr. Meredith has researched and collected Columbia County stoneware for thirty-six years, including pieces produced at the Hudson potteries, as well as pieces made for various merchants throughout the county.  Meredith has written articles on Hudson pottery for various periodicals, including the Columbia County History & Heritage magazine.  Many pieces from his collection have been featured in books written about the history of Columbia County. – Admission is free and open to the public. – Seating is on a first come-first served basis – Information at 828-1792, ext. 101 – 6 pm – Community Room, First Floor, Hudson Area Library, 51 North Fifth Street (corner of Fifth and State Streets)

The Hudson-Chatham Outfit plays jazz at Or every Thursday – Information at 917-873-4503 – 7 pm to 9:30 pm – Or Gallery and Tavern, 35 South Third Street

Thursday-Sunday, February 16-19

TSL Films:

Neruda – It’s 1948 and the Cold War has reached Chile.  Senator and poet Pablo Neruda accuses the government of betrayal and is swiftly impeached.  The police are assigned to arrest him, which forces him into hiding.  In this story of persecution, Neruda recognizes his own heroic possibilities—a chance to become a symbol for liberty and a literary legend.  In French and Spanish with English subtitles

Strike a Pose (2016) – In 1990, seven young dancers joined pop star Madonna on her most controversial world tour.  Wild, talented, and barely twenty, they set out on a trip of a lifetime.  A self-proclaimed mother to her dancers, Madonna used the tour to take a stand on gay rights, freedom of expression, and the fight against AIDS.  Twenty-five years later, the dancers reveal the truth about life during and after the tour.

20^th Century Women – “…the film follows Dorothea Fields (Annette Bening), a determined single mother in her mid-50s who is raising her adolescent son at a moment brimming with cultural change and rebellion….”

Oscar Shorts: Live Action and Oscar Shorts: Animation – The Oscar ceremony takes place on Sunday February 26.  This is your annual chance to predict the winners in these two “shorts” fields.  Estimated running time for the Animation films is one and one-half hours, and two hours for the Live Action films. – For information about the films visit www.timeandspace.org

The Sunshine Makers – The untold story of Nicholas Sand and Tim Scully, the unlikely duo at the heart of 1960s American drug counterculture.  United in a utopian mission to save the planet through the consciousness raising power of LSD, these underground chemists manufactured a massive amount of acid, including the gold standard for quality LSD, Orange Sunshine, all while staying one step ahead of the feds.

Information and schedule at 822-8448 or www.timeandspace.org – Time & Space Ltd., 434 Columbia Street

Friday, February 17

Artists & Friends Community Potluck Dinner – To celebrate the artist community through monthly potluck dinners where visual artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians and their friends come together to share thoughts, conversation, artwork, and a meal – Meets the third Friday of each month – Please bring a dish or a non-alcoholic beverage to share – While Christine Hales is away, Dan Rupe and Sherry Stevens are leading the group – This week the group will discuss ideas and schedules for future potlucks, continue to discuss the book, The Artists’ Way, and share artwork.  If you would like to show a piece of your work or discuss an image of a favorite artist,   contact Sherry at [email protected]  – An overhead projector is available – The Potluck Dinner is held the third Friday of each month – All are welcome – Information at [email protected] – 6 to 9 pm – Hudson Senior Center, Second Floor, Hudson Area Library, 51 North Fifth Street (corner of State Street)

Hungry?  – Wickers Creek Band will be serving up some bluegrass – Real food also available! – Information at facebook.com/OKBTapHouse – 7 to 9 pm – Old Klaverack Brewery’s Tap House, 12 Main Street, Philmont

Half Moon 4^th Anniversary Party – Party by the light of the Half Moon with Last Good Tooth, She Keeps Bees, Annie Bielski + House Band Arthur, and D. J. Lunar Moss  – Information at  http://thehalfmoonhudson.com/events/ or 828-1562 – 8 to 11 pm – The Half Moon, 48 South Front Street

The Big Takeover – with Cassidy Maze opening – “…a global blend of Jamaican music and American R&B.  A far cry from the pop-punk of American ska, the Big Takeover takes its cues from the reggae pioneer Desmond Dekker and the first wave of Jamaican pop music as well as from the soulful energy and sophistication of Motown.  At the center of this tight, grooving ensemble is the live-wire singing and deceptively subtle songwriting of the Jamaican-born NeeNee Rushie, a powerhouse performer who makes the audience feel like accomplices more than spectators…a memorable Jamaican-infused dance party.” – Information at 828-4800 or helsinkihudson.com – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Saturday, February 18

Great Backyard Bird Count – Become a citizen scientist for the day!  Join Columbia Land Conservancy board member and birding expert Will Yandik to help collect important data for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s nationwide bird survey.  Binoculars and bird guides will be provided, but participants are asked to bring your own if they have them – Information by e-mail to [email protected] or 392-5252, ext. 210 – 8 am to 10 am – Meet at the Columbia Land Conservancy office at 49 Main Street, Chatham or at Ooms Conservation Area, Sutherland Pond, 480 Rock City Road, Chatham

The Winter Hudson Farmers’ Market is open for business – Greens such as arugula, spinach, lettuce mix, and Asian greens are available, and so are breads, eggs, meats and cheeses, prepared savories and sweets, quiches, pies, tarts, nuts, fair trade coffee, soups and stocks – Music by the Wickers Creek Band from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm — Market from 10 am to 1 pm – 601 Union Street, at the southern end of Sixth Street

National Theatre of London presents Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus – On the big screen in HD – Information and reservations at 822-8448 – 1 pm – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Copake Auction – An Unreserved Estate Auction featuring Estate-fresh 18^th-and 19-century furniture, artwork, folk art, period accessories, china, glass, stoneware, primitives and more – Information and bidding links at www.copakeauction.com/auction/estate-acution – 2017-02-18   or call 329-1142 – 3 pm – Copake Auction, 266 Route 7A, Copake

Candlelight Concert featuring Kills to Kisses performed by Omi alumna Lisa Maree Dowling – Kills to Kisses is an alter-ego solo project that loops upright bass, vocals and more into complex, hypnotic melodies. – A reception follows with drinks and light food – Concert is free for members; a modest admission fee is charged for “not-yet members.” – To RSVP or to order tickets, go to www.artomi.org – Information by email to [email protected] – 5 pm – Benenson Visitors Center, Omi International Arts Center, 1405 Route 22, Ghent

Charity Sock Auction – Bid on the craziest, most colorful socks for men, women and babies, hand knit by knitters from all over – Each pair will contain a bonus gift certificate.  One pair will contain a $100 bill – Rupert Fennell will be the auctioneer – Socks are the most needed but least donated article of clothing at homeless shelters.  Proceeds from this auction will be used to purchase thermal socks for Hudson’s homeless, to be distributed by the Salvation Army.  The goal is to pass out 500 pairs of socks – Sponsored by the Neighborhood Knitters of Hudson and hosted by Verdigris Hudson – Refreshments, a wine bar, and music – Information at 828-3139 or verdigristea.com  or facebook.com Charity Sock Auction – 7 to 9 pm – Verdigris Tea, 135 Warren Street (at the corner of Second Street)

DJ T-Bone –Information at 828-1562 or The Half Moon facebook page – 9 pm – The Half Moon, 48 South Front Street

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Cabin Fever Cabaret – “An intimately-scaled but grandly imagined variety spectacle…”   Bindlestiff brings a new lineup of Cirkus and variety arts stars to Helsinki Hudson’s stage with the unique flair and twist that is their hallmark style. In a Bindlestiff show you may see internationally renowned street performers, featured acts from Cirque du Soleil and Ringling Brothers, artists made known by “America’s Got Talent” and local legends, live, on stage, and having a great time together.  Bindlestiff’s unique style reflects deep roots in NYC’s underground club scene, nods to political street theater, and a steady respect for the traditions of American popular entertainment and illegitimate theater.  This show’s lineup includes operatic rock god Corn Mo, burlesque artiste Angela Harriell, bizarre comedy juggler Marcus Monroe, and aerial acrobat Ellie Steingraeber.  As always, your trip down the sawdust and glitter trail is led by Ringmistress Philomena and vaudevillian charmer Mr. Pennygaff.  Be part of the glamour of the evening. Those in costume or circusy makeup can ask for a discounted ticket at the door. This Winter Cabaret is for grown-ups only… but a family matinee will be offered on Sunday, March 12 at 3pm. – Information at 828-4800 or helsinkihudson.com – Doors open at 7 pm; show is at 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Sunday, February 19

This concert was originally scheduled to be held last Sunday but was postponed – Concerts in the Village presents 20th Century Music for Strings and Women’s Voices – Performed by The Broad Street Chorale and The Broad Street Orchestra – David Smith, Artistic Director and Conductor – Program includes works by Vaughan Williams, Britten, Saint-Saens, Poulenc, and Foote – Featuring soprano Amanda Boyd – For information and assured seating go to www.concertsinthevillage.org – 1 pm – The School/Jack Shainman Gallery, 25 Broad Street, Kinderhook – (The School will be open to the public at 12 noon.)  The current exhibitions are Andres Serrano: Selected Works 1984-2015 and Home Room, a multi-media group exhibition (These exhibitions contain graphic imagery including violence, nudity, and sexual content.)

Bard at Beattie – Young, award-winning artists from the Bard College Conservatory of Music perform an intriguing program of baroque and atonal works by Bach and Webern – Featuring Yezu Elizabeth Woo, violin and Tomoki Park, piano and harpsichord – Free admission – Information and reservations by email to [email protected] – 2 pm – Beattie-Powers Place, Prospect Avenue and Bridge Street, Catskill

Next Tuesday, February 21

Allison Guertin Marchese, author and Editor of Columbia County History & Heritage magazine, will give a lecture on her book, Hidden History of Columbia County New York  – Learn about Columbia County mastodons, hangings on the Hudson gallows, and other little known Columbia County tales. – Free and open to the public – Information at www.cchsny.org – 7 pm – “Below Stairs,” James Vanderpoel House, 16 Broad Street, Kinderhook

Helsinki Open Mic – Try out new material on the big Helsinki stage – Hosted by Cameron Melville and Ryder Cooley – Information at 828-4800 or helsinkihudson.com – Sign-up begins at 6:30 pm – Performance from 7 to 10 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

The Spotty Dog Trivia Night – The Spotty’s bi-weekly all-nerd throwdown – Information at 671-6006 or www.thespottydog.com/events  – 6:30 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Postscript

These two exhibitions opened on January 28 and will be available for viewing into March.

Americana – Featuring works by Frank Litto, Linda Newman Boughton, Andrew Buck, Harry Orlyk, David Halliday, John Cross, Russell De Young, Carol Grauer, and Arthur Hammer – This exhibit stages concrete and abstract symbols of American values.  A striking selection of ballpoint pen drawings, wood and cardboard constructions, and painting and photography that recall contemporary “artifacts” relating to American history, culture and tradition defined by previous centuries. – On view through March 12 – Information at 828-1915 or carriehaddadgallery.com – Open daily from 11 am to 5 pm – Carrie Haddad Gallery, 622 Warren Street

Post-Election Show – Co-organized by Kristen Dodge and Kate Gilmore – Features work by 170 visual artists – The opening day also featured more than 10 performances – The exhibition was conceived in conversation between Kristen and Kate a few days after the U.S. Presidential Election.  With the intention of providing a reason, space, and context for artists to respond to the current circumstance, they agreed to set a show in motion, and allow the call to take on a life of its own.  Word spread between artists, and within a short time the number of participants rose from 50 to 170. The organizers say:  “If we stop to comprehend the ‘unrealistic’ endeavors that we pursue, we would never do them.  This show has been a leap of faith and a truly collaborative endeavor.” – A portion of all sales will be donated to the local branches of Planned Parenthood and Black Lives Matter. – On view through March 5 – Information at septembergallery.com – Open Friday through Sunday from 12 noon to 6 pm or by appointment ([email protected]) – September, Third Floor, 449 Warren Street

For more information on Columbia County events, visit www.columbiacountytourism.org

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