A selection of events in and around the City of Hudson by Ellen Thurston. All phone numbers are in area code 518 unless otherwise indicated.  All addresses are in Hudson unless otherwise indicated.

 

 

ELLEN’S WEEKEND PICKS

Friday-Sunday, May 6-8

Films at TSL

Hockney – “…weaves together a portrait of the multi-faceted artist from frank interviews with close friends and never before seen footage from his own personal archive…Nearing the age of 80, the charismatic Hockney still works in his studio seven days a week and is reaching new peaks of popularity worldwide.”

Eva Hesse – Eva Hesse was one of America’s foremost postwar artists.  Her pioneering sculptures, using latex, fiberglass, and plastics, helped establish the post-minimalist movement.  Dying of a brain tumor at 34, she had a mere decade-long career that, despite its brevity, is dense with complex, intriguing works… In the downtown NY art scene of the 60s, she was one of the few women to make work that was taken seriously – This film is the first feature-length appreciation of her life and work. Sunday screening is followed by Q&A with the filmmakers.

Francofonia – A film by Alexander Sokurov – Set against the background of the Louvre Museum’s history and archives to create Sokurov’s personal vision of staged re-enactments  and activities – The film is a fascinating portrait of real-life characters Jacques Jaujard and Count Franziskus Wolff-Mettemich and their compulsory collaboration at the Louvre Museum under the Nazi Occupation – These two remarkable men…shared an alliance which would become the driving force behind the preservation of museum treasures.

The Silence of Rothko – Painter Mark Rothko is best known for imposing canvasses that eschew representation in favor of pure color and texture.  This film visits Rothko’s studio in New York; the Museum di san Marco in Florence, where the works of Renaissance painter Fra Angelico are displayed; and The Hague, where the first major Rothko exhibit to be held in Holland in 40 years, is being installed.

I Don’t Belong Anywhere: The Cinema of Chantal Akerman – In this film, experimental filmmaker and nomad, Chantal Akerman, shared with director Marianne Lambert, her cinematic trajectory, one that never ceased to interrogate the meaning of her existence…The film explores some of the Belgian filmmaker’s 40-plus films, and from Brussels to Tel Aviv, from Paris to New York, it charts the sites of her peregrinations.

No Home Movie – Chantal Akerman‘s final film is a portrait of her relationship with her mother, Natalia, a Holocaust survivor and familiar presence in many of her daughter’s films.  In French with English subtitles.

Marguerite – A film by Xavier Giannoli that won eleven 2016 Cesar Award nominations – The film takes place at the beginning of the Golden Twenties.  It is a party day at Marguerite Dumont’s castle.  Every year music lovers gather at the castle around a great cause.  Marguerite’s passion is music.  She sings wholeheartedly, but she sings terribly out of tune….

Information and schedule at www.timeandspace.org or 822-8448 – Time & Space Limited,

434 Columbia Street

Friday, May 6

Kwame Alexander, winner of the prestigious Newbery Award several times for his popular children’s books, will speak and sign copies of his book, The Crossover, at this free event, which children and their parents are encouraged to attend. The poet, educator and author has written 21 books.  “All the woes and wonders of the tween and teen years,” Alexander says, “…love, loss, friendship, family, school [and] homework.  I [try] to write…to show boys—and girls—that poetry [can] be cool.” – – Information at www.HudsonAreaLibrary.org or 828-1792 – 3:30 pm – Community Room, Hudson Area Library,  corner of Fifth & State Streets

Wine Tasting – Eminence Road Farm Winery is producing wines that are naturally made, unrefined and unfiltered.  The winery is located in the western Catskills, with the grapes sourced from the Finger Lakes.  This tasting will feature vintages that are just being released – Information at 828-0934 or Fairview-wines.com – 4 to 7 pm – Fairview Wines & Spirits, 160 Fairview Avenue, Route 9, Greenport

Exhibition Opening – The World Wide Weave – Traveling the globe, this project highlights the talents of weavers living in Camphill communities near and far. The exhibition is a celebration of 75 years of the fiber arts in Camphill communities, and includes pieces from Vietnam, South Africa, Ireland, the U.S., Canada, and more.  On view through May 16 (12 noon to 5:00 pm) – Information at 821-2923 – Reception from 5 to 7 pm, Solaris, Camphill Hudson, 360 Warren Street

Mail the Horse/ Lorkin O’Reilly – “Their music has matured and swaggers with the best of them,…”  – Information at 828-1562 or the Half Moon facebook page – 8 pm – The Half Moon, 48 South Front Street

Bob Schneider – The Austin singer-songwriter was lead singer for Ugly Americans, who toured as opening act for Dave Matthews Band.  This six-time Austin Musician of the Year is known for his eclectic musical styles and as a startlingly entertaining performer. – Visit bobschneider.com – Information at 828-4800 or helsinkihudson.com – 9 pm – Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia Street

Friday-Sunday, May 6-8

Chicago – The award-winning Broadway musical with music by John Kander and book and lyrics by Fred Ebb – Produced by The Two of Us Productions – Information and tickets at www.thetwoofusproductions.org or 1-866-811-4111 – Friday/Saturday at 7:30 pm; Sunday at 3 pm – Performing Arts Center, Taconic Hills School, Craryville

Saturday, May 7

I Love My Park Day: Helping Hands Make Light Work – As Olana State Historic Site heads into its Fiftieth Anniversary, it invites the public to help make Olana a better place for everyone by participating in this statewide event organized by Parks & Trails New York in partnership with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to celebrate and enhance New York’s parks and historic sites.  In the spirit of Olana’s founding members, volunteers are invited to spend a few hours and help make a difference through a range of rewarding activities.  To pre-register, visit www.olana.org/education/ or call 828-1872, ext.105 – Walk-ins are welcome. – 9 to 11 am – Wagon House Education Center, Olana State Historic Site, 5720 State Route 9G, Greenport

Hudson Farmers’ Market – This is the 19^th year of the Market. Familiar vendors are in place and are joined by new vendors including  Old Klaverack Brewery from Chatham, Hillrock Distillery from the Hudson Valley Highlands, Township Valley Farm located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, Goats & Gourmets, a small family-run creamery, and Sauerkraut Seth, who was a guest vendor last year and is now back as a full-time vendor.  Welcome to one and all – 9 am to 1 pm – Parking lot at the corner of Sixth & Columbia Streets

Spring Plant Swap – Sponsored by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia & Greene Counties Master Gardeners – Gardeners bring plant material to swap including divided perennials, house plants, various cuttings, clumps of ground covers, and seed collected from annuals and perennials.  Please label all plants you are bringing with name and color, and bring empty containers to carry your found “treasures” home. – Testing of soil samples will be available – Information at 828-3346, ext. 100 – 9:30 am to 11:30 am – Cornell Cooperative Extension, 479 Route 66, Ghent

The 8^th Annual Hudson Children’s Book Festival – The largest children’s book festival in New York State featuring 75 Children’s and Young Adult authors and illustrators – This free, public  event fosters a love of reading as families meet and greet world-class creators of books for children of all ages – Each child attendee will receive a free book – Live performances in the auditorium range from sing-alongs to crazy science – At 11 am Pre-K and up can hear Aaron Nigel Smith perform Call To Action, a fun, inspired and lively show that is guaranteed to get the audience on its feet. At 12:30 Steve Tomecek, “The Dirtmeister” offers a show for all ages called Amazing Astonishing Air – The popular John Farrell will also perform – Free transportation from Hudson and Greenport – Go to www.hudsonchildrensbookfestival.com for bus schedule and route – Festival is from 10 am to 3 pm – Hudson Jr/Sr High School, 215 Harry Howard Avenue

ADI Lumberyard Groundbreaking Celebration – American Dance Institute celebrates the opening of its new home in the Hudson Valley which in 2018 will bring professional contemporary dance and performance to Catskill throughout the summer season – The celebration includes a beer garden, sponsored by Crossroads Brewing Company, Pippy’s Hotdog Truck and ‘Cue Barbeque, live music by The Wiyos, games, and a raffle – For information and to sign up for the raffle, visit americandance.org/Catskill — 12 noon to 3 pm – ADI Lumberyard, 62 Water Street, Catskill

First Annual Kentucky Derby party on the lawn next to Wm. Farmer & Sons – The races will be aired all day in the restaurant and on the lawn – Food, Juleps, Mojitos and Westbrook Beer will be offered on the lawn and at the bar – Bluegrass music from noon until 4 pm, Carolyn and Darcy from 2Note will play fiddle and cello from 4 to 6 pm –Information at 917-232-5259 or 828-1635 – Party starts at 12 noon; Derby post just after 6 pm – William Farmer & Sons, 20-22 South Front Street

HD live screening of The Metropolitan Opera’s production of Strauss’s Elektra – Reservations and information at 822-8448 or www.timeandspace.org – 12:55 pm – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Exhibition Opening – Shimmering Light:  New Paintings by Doris Simon – Also Photographs by Guest Artist Zach Neven and work by gallery artists – On view through May 29 – Information at 822-0510 or www.510warrenstreetgallery.com – 3 to 7 pm – 510 Warren Street Gallery, 510 Warren Street

Schubert’s Water Music:  Songs of the Flow of Life and Love – Doug Schmolze, tenor and Larry Wallach, pianist perform Franz Schubert’s songs on the theme of water – Information at 721-8423 – 4 pm – Culture Hall, Camphill Ghent, 2542 Route 66, Ghent

Gallery Opening/Exhibition Opening – North River Gallery opens a new space on Main Street in Chatham with a new emphasis on contemporary landscape art.  The inaugural show is an expansive solo exhibition of Modernist Landscapes by artist Tony Thompson.  Information at  392-7000 or 202-466-3700 – 4 to 7 pm – North River Gallery, 34A Main Street, Village of Chatham

Kentucky Derby Day at Swoon Kitchenbar – Swoon will open its upstairs bar and lounge to view the Kentucky Derby and will be serving Mint Juleps, and providing a full bar, a small plates menu, and a live Bluegrass band – Information at 822-8938 – 5 pm – Swoon Kitchenbar, 340 Warren Street

Fidelity – A reading of new short plays to benefit the Hudson Opera House – The plays are presented by Plays in Progress and are by PIP members Mel Cobb, John Gardner, Val Kavanaugh, Lucile Lichtblau, Sheldon Lichtblau, and Jesse Waldinger – Information at 822-1438 – 7 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

Sunwatchers and PG Six – A favorite up-and-coming Brooklyn band returns to the Spotty – Information at 671-6006 or www.thespottydog.com – 8 pm – Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Paul Green & Klezmer East – A concert of traditional and contemporary klezmer favorites, including Freilachs, Horas, and hits from the Yiddish Theater – Directed by clarinetist Green, Klezmer East features Pete Sweeney on drums, Bruce Krasin on saxophone, and Alan Gold on piano/keyboards – Tickets at 392-3693 or at the door – Information at  392-3693 – 8 pm – Spencertown Academy Arts Center, 790 Route 203, Spencertown

Vetiver – Vetiver is the nom-de-bande of San Francisco-based folk-rock singer-songwriter Andy Cabic… Vetiver has toured with artists including Wilco, Fleet Foxes, the Shins, and Vashti Bunyan – The group has several local connections in that Hudson-based, much-in-demand indie-rock drummer Otto Hauser often mans the kit for Vetiver.  Cabic also co-produced Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion’s album “Bright Examples,” with Thom Monahan, who has engineered and produced every Vetiver album – Visit vetiverse.com – Information at 828-4800 or helsinkihudson.com – 9 pm – Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia Street

Botanica with DJ Ephraim Asili – Vinyl Healing & Good Vibes – Soul, Funk, Disco, Boogie, Afro-Beat, Reggae, Rare Groove, and Latin – Information at 828-1562 or the Half Moon facebook page – 10 pm – The Half Moon, 48 South Front Street

Saturday-Sunday, May 7-8

Basilica Farm & Flea Spring Market in collaboration with Hudson River Exchange – Regional vendors sell their wares alongside locally-sourced, farm-fresh food vendors – Vendors include makers of handmade objects, collectors of high quality vintage finds,  specialty food vendors, local farmers, chefs and educators – On Saturday, Swoon Kitchenbar, the Ramp Fest founders, will create a pop-up restaurant with a bar and ramp-infused menu items – On Sunday, Bonfiglio & Bread and Rivertown Lodge will offer a spring menu and bar – Kids under 2 are free –Information at www.basilicafarmandflea.org – Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm – Basilica Hudson, 110 South Front Street

Sunday, May 8

Mother’s Day – Celebrate the Mom!

The Hudson Area Library hosts a Mothers’ Day Fashion Show & Tea – Mothers and daughters from the community will model clothing from the vintage shop, Discipline Park.  An assortment of home-baked cakes and cookies will be available, as well as tea supplied by Verdigris Tea & Chocolate Bar – Background music is supplied by Young Paris.  FACE Stockholm will do the make-up for the models as well as demonstrate some of their make-up tricks prior to the show – Tickets available at www.HudsonAreaLibrary.org – 2 to 4 pm – Community Room, the new Hudson Area Library, corner of State & Fourth Streets

Mother’s Day Dinner/Music Cruise – Board the Hudson Cruises, Inc. yacht, Marika  for a special cruise featuring a full buffet meal and complimentary glass of champagne for Mom upon boarding.  While sailing, enjoy the smooth sounds of music and view the splendors of the Hudson River Valley, from the wall of Manitou and The Sleeping Giant of the Catskills, to bald eagles, osprey, and blue herons. – Information at www.hudsoncruises.com – Tickets available at Zerve at 348-8993 or 1-888-764-1844 – 2:30 pm to 5 pm – Board early at the City dock behind the gazebo, Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, Water Street, access via Broad Street grade crossing past the Amtrak Station on Front Street

The Hudson Opera House Reading Series presents authors Michael Ives and Ashley Mayne – Michael Ives is an award-winning writer and musician living in the Hudson Valley.  His poetry and fiction have appeared in numerous magazines and journals in the US and abroad.  He is the author of The External Combustion Engine and Wavetable and teaches in the Written Arts Program at Bard College – Ashley Mayne is the author of two recently published novels, Tiger and Mankiller.  She is a Bard graduate.  The Reading Series is curated by Tamas Panitz – Information at www.hudsonoperahouse.org or 822-1438 – Free and open to the public; no reservations required – 3 pm – Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

Experimental Comedy with Annie Bielski, Allison Brainard, Alex Schmidt, Becca Kauffman, Lily Marotta, Sam Regal – Plus DJ Shanny – Information at 828-1562 or the Half Moon facebook page – 8 pm – The Half Moon, 48 South Front Street

Fruit Bats/Horse Feathers – Sub-Pop artists Fruit Bats toured with My Morning Jacket last year and have been described as playing “rustic pop” and “bootgazer.”  Frontman Eric D. Johnson credits 1970s pop as a key influence.  Indi-folk group Horse Feathers of Portland, Oregon, plays ethereal music that mixes banjo and cello among other instruments. – Information at 828-4800 or helsinkihudson.com – 8 pm – Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia Street 8 pm

Next Monday, May 9

House Rules Café – Do you miss the board games from childhood?  Curious about the new trend of cooperative games?  Interested in learning a new card game? – Come on out to the Red Dot to play with—or against—your neighbors.  Start an island adventure or play a quick hand of Exploding Kittens.  A small fee gives you access to the library of games, and if you encounter a new game, just ask!  Instruction is available – Information at [email protected] or https//www.facebook.com/events/894872510622836/ — 6:30 pm – Red Dot Restaurant & Bar, 321 Warren Street

Next Tuesday, May 10

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 – Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia Street

 

THINKING FURTHER AHEAD IN MAY

Thursday, May 12

Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood Community Cleanup – Front & Warren Streets, Hudson

An Evening of Reminiscence – An evening of local history featuring Hudsonians personal stories, experiences, and memories of Hudson – Participants will have seven minutes to present their story to the audience. – Bring photos, documents and other Hudson memorabilia to share –A sign-up sheet will be available thirty minutes prior to the event – Seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. – A program of the History Room Committee’s Local History Speaker Series – Information at 828-1792, ext. 103 – 6 to 8 pm – Community Room, Hudson Area Library, 51 North Fifth Street (at State Street)

Friday, May 13

Annual Cruise-In to benefit the Columbia-Greene Educational Center Scholarship Program – Open to all specialty vehicles, of any year – Participating vehicles pay a fee; spectators are free – BBQ prepared by the Culinary Art students will be available – Rain date is May 20 – Information at 828-4257 – 5 to 8 pm – Columbia-Greene Educational Center, 131 Union Turnpike (Route 66), Greenport

Saturday, May 14

Hudson Valley Old Time Power Association Auction

Operation Unite Cocktail Gala honoring Elena Mosley

Sunday, May 15

Opening of Olana State Historic Site’s 2016 exhibition, Capturing the Cosmos

Monday, May 16

27^th Annual Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at the Copake Country Club

Saturday, May 21

Hudson Opera House Spring Fling Gala

Sunday, May 22

Community Discussion about the future of the City of Hudson’s North Bay with Mayor Tiffany Martin Hamilton

Opening of A Change of Place: Four Solo Exhibitions at the Jack Shainman Gallery in  Kinderhook

Wednesday, May 25

Upstreet Market opens in Seventh Street Park in Hudson, where it will be open every Wednesday during the summer months

Saturday, May 28

Carrie Haddad Gallery celebrates with the opening of its 25^th Anniversary Exhibition

Saturday-Sunday, May 28-29

Hudson-Berkshire Wine & Food Festival

Sunday, May 29

Columbia Land Conservancy Public Conservation Area Day with lots of family fun at the Greenport Conservation Area

…and much more!

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

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