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

ELLEN’S PICKS

Thursday. April 20

Exploring the Music of the Erie Canal with Dave Ruch – To celebrate the Bicentennial of the Erie Canal, the Greenport Historical Society hosts a musical evening featuring Dave Ruch, performer and researcher of historical and traditional music.  The program features songs, stories and dance pieces from the workers, captains, passengers and crew of “Clinton’s Ditch,” along with related material from the Great Lakes and the Hudson River areas.  Dave Ruch is a Public Scholar for the New York State Council for the Humanities, a writer for The Huffington Post, and a member of the New York State Historical Association, the Canal Society of New York State, the New York Folklore Society and the Western New York Association of Historical Agencies. The program is free and open to the public –Information by email to  [email protected] – 7 pm – The Falls, 158 Union Turnpike (Route 66), Greenport

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

Thursday-Sunday, April 20-23

TSL Films:

Frantz – In the immediate aftermath of World War I, a young woman mourning the death of her fiancé, encounters a mysterious Frenchman laying flowers on her beloved’s grave – In French and German with English subtitles

Karl Marx City – Twenty-five years after the collapse of the German Democratic Republic, filmmaker Petra Epperlein returns to the proletarian Oz of her childhood to find the truth about her father’s suicide and his rumored Stasi past….In German with English subtitles

My Scientology Movie – Experienced in dealing with eccentric, unpalatable, and unexpected human behavior, documentarian Louis Theroux won’t take no for an answer when his request to enter the Church of Scientology’s headquarters is turned down.  Inspired by the Church’s use of filming techniques, and aided by ex-members of the organization, Theroux uses actors to replay some incidents people claim they experienced as members, in an attempt to better understand the way the Church operates.  In a bizarre twist, it becomes clear that the Church is also making a film about Louis Theroux.

Neruda – In 1948 the Cold War reached Chile – In congress, Senator, and poet, Pablo Neruda accuses the government of betrayal and is swiftly impeached.  He is to be arrested, but tries to flee the country and is forced into hiding.  In this story of persecution, Neruda recognizes his own heroic possibilities—a chance to become both a symbol for liberty and a literary legend.  In French and Spanish with English subtitles.

After the Storm – A struggling novelist, now working as a private detective under the pretense of doing research, attempts to reconcile with his aging mother, ex-wife, and eleven-year-old-son.  As a typhoon passes, they end up spending the night together in his mother’s Tokyo apartment, but things don’t go well for this fractured family. In Japanese with English subtitles.

The Lure – “In this bold, genre-defying horror-musical mashup, a pair of carnivorous mermaid sisters are drawn ashore in an alternate 1980s Poland to explore the wonders and temptations of life on land.  Their tantalizing siren songs and other worldly aura make them overnight sensations as nightclub singers in the half-glam, half-decrepit fantasy world of director Smoczynska’s imagining.  In a visceral twist on Hans Christian Andersen’s original Little Mermaid tale, one sister falls for a human, and as the bonds of sisterhood are tested, the lines between love and survival are blurred.”  In Polish with English subtitles.

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

The Bridge Street Theatre presents the world premiere of Kieron Barry’s play The Official Adventures of Kieron and Jade – Barry will be remembered for the 2012 production of his hit play, Tomorrow in the Battle, at Stageworks Hudson, hailed by The Albany Times-Union  as “one of the most remarkable pieces of theatre in recent memory.” – Kieron and Jade, his current play, is described as a “1930s style screwball comedy.” – It is directed by John Sowle – Information and reservations at http://official.brownpapertickets.com or call 800-838-3006, or contact the theatre at 518-943-3818 – The play is being presented on Thursdays through Sundays for two consecutive weeks: Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2 pm – Bridge Street Theatre, 44 West Bridge Street, Catskill.

Friday, April 21

Free HWM Tasting – Hudson Wine Merchants’ Isabel Newlin will be pouring “several expressive summer wines from small growers.” – Information at 828-6411 or hudsonwinemerchants.com – 5 to 7 pm – 341 Warren Street

Artists & Friends Community Potluck Dinner – Visual artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians, and others come together to share thoughts, conversation, artwork and a meal.  All are welcome – This week all artists are invited to share their work, so bring your artwork, sculpture, music, etc. and talk about what you are up to with other artists – The evening will be hosted by Sherry Stevens and Dan Rupe.  Pizza will be furnished by Christine and Michael Hales (who will be out of town!) so attendees are urged to bring salads, or other main dishes, or desserts – If you would like to show your work at next month’s meeting, please contact [email protected] – The Potluck is held the third Friday of each month – 6 pm – Senior Center, Second Floor, Hudson Area Library, 51 North Fifth Street (corner of State Street)

Friday-Saturday, April 21-22

Copake Auction’s 26^th Annual Antique & Classic Bicycle Auction – Features a Swap Meet on Friday  and a Slide Show of unexpected, humorous and whimsical early cycling photographs from the Lorne Shields’ collection ; The Saturday Auction at 9 am features the Bob Trimble Collection and Part II of the Jim Carpenter Collection – Information at 518-329-1142 or copakeauction.com – Thursday & Friday, Gallery Preview from 11 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 8 to 9 am; Friday Swap Meet from 6 am ‘til dusk – Free admission for buyers, vendor fee required; Slide Show at 1:30 pm – Saturday – Auction starts at 9 am; Ten Mile Ride through beautiful Columbia County countryside leaves the parking lot at 3 pm –  Copake Auction, 266 Route 7A, Copake

Saturday, April 22 

Martin Van Buren National Historic Site opens for the 2017 visitor season – Tours of the Van Buren mansion will be given on the weekend at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm through May 14.  Full-time operations begin on May 20 and run through  October 31, when tours will be given more frequently,.  – There is no admission fee charged to tour Lindenwald, the Van Buren mansion – Visitors may sign up for a tour at the Visitor Center located across Old Post Road from the visitor parking lot – To learn about special events and recreational trails on the site, go to www.nps.gov/mava or call 518-758-9689 ext. 2008 – Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, 1013 Old Post Road, Kinderhook

The Hudson Farmers’ Market –The market is back in its usual outdoor spot!  Favorite vendors will be on hand offering such provisions as greens, eggs. cheeses, meats, sausages and bacon, breads, quiches, soups, pot pies and other prepared foods, tarts and cookies,  cut flowers and flowers in pots, and more – 10 am to 1 pm – Parking lot at Sixth and Columbia Streets

Habitat for Humanity’s Restore EcoFair – Tons of Fun!  Expert green advice, demonstrations, local farm products, local food, live music, crafts, a raffle and a Silent Auction, and much more! – 10 am to 4 pm – Hudson ReStore, 829 Route 66, Claverack (near intersection with Route 9-H)

The Chancellor’s Sheep & Wool Showcase 2017 – A family festival that celebrates historic fiber arts, culture, and craft. – A day of demonstrations, exhibitions, music, and food –  Includes a shopping concourse featuring over 30 skilled artisans and local craftspeople –Activities include spinning, dyeing, knitting and weaving—all planned to spark the interest of young and old alike – Herding and sheep shearing, using three different historic techniques, form the centerpiece of the action – Crafts for kids – 18^th century reenactors, and live traditional music all in one beautiful location – Information at 537-6622 or www.friendsofclermont.org/sheep-wool — 11 am to 4 pm – Clermont State Historic Site, 87 Clermont Avenue, Germantown (off Route 9G)

Metropolitan Opera Live in HD presents its production of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin– Information and reservations at 822-8448 –12:55 pm – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

Lost Catskill – Catskill historian Ted Hilscher returns with his presentation of early photos of Catskill buildings that are gone forever–victims of fire or the wrecking ball – Hilscher is a wonderful custodian of local history, and his library of historic photographs is a must for lovers of historic Catskill –  Information at beattiepowersplace.blogspot.com – Reservations by email to [email protected] – 2 pm – Beattie-Powers Place, Prospect & Bridge Street, Catskill

Concerts at Camphill Ghent presents Remembrance & Celebration, a unique collaboration between faculty and students from the Bard Conservancy of Music, guest Composer Larry Wallach, and Gili Melamed-Lev, the Camphill Ghent concert series artistic director – The performance includes Dvorak’s Piano Quintet in A Major, Beethoven’s String Trio in C Minor Op. 9 No. 3, and Larry Wallach’s String Quartet, to be introduced by the composer – The musicians include Bard Conservatory of Music director and cellist Robert Martin, faculty member and violist Marka Gustavsson, violinists Shuang Yang and Tianpei Ai, students from the Bard Conservatory of Music, and pianist and concert series artistic director Gili Melamed-Lev – A reception follows the performance – Information and reservations at 392-2760 or www.camphillghent.org  – 3 pm – Culture Hall, Camphill Ghent, 2542 Route 66, Ghent

Frederic Church’s Artistic Process – Olana launches its 2017 program season with an illustrated lecture by Caroline O’Connell from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City on Church’s artistic process leading up to his paintings. The exploration of his methods and inspirations will include his trips to Maine in the 1850s.  Rarely seen sketches and studies from archival storage at the Cooper Hewitt will be seen.  O’Connell has selected works that provide an intimate journey into Church’s personal communion with nature and his moments as an artist struggling to get it right.  The lecture is intended to “set the stage” for Olana’s forthcoming exhibition OVERLOOK: Teresita Fernandez Confronts Frederic Church at Olana which opens to the public on May 14. – This event is appropriate for ages 12 and up – Information and advance registration  at 828-1872 or www.olana.org/education  – 4 pm – Wagon House Education Center, Olana State Historic Site, 5720 Route 9G, Greenport

Kea Carpets & Kilims celebrates the launch of the new Flatweave Collection by Ptolemy Mann.   Launching in New York for the first time this spring, Kea will be showing rugs from Ptolemy’s existing collection, including some new designs and runners.  Craftsmanship lies at the heart of these rugs–exquisite hand-dyed and woven flat weaves with a focus on “Gelim,” an ancient technique from northern Iran which consists of dip dyed weft threads woven in careful harmony to create gentle grades of ikat color.  A weaver and dyer of textile artworks herself, Ptolemy has transferred her knowledge of hand weaving to the art of rug weaving.  Relishing the glorious colors of India, the result is a collection of chromatically elegant and modern flat weaves.  Uniquely double sided and beautifully woven, they feel like artworks that are perfect for both wall and floor. – On view through April 29 – Information at 917-952-1654 or  by email to [email protected]  – 5 pm – Kea Carpets and Kilims, 238 Warren Street

Sixteenth Annual International Community Dinner – A family-friendly potluck meal, plus socializing and an entertaining program of international music and dance – Traditional dishes prepared by members of diverse national and ethnic groups living in the local area will be shared. – A great way to meet and get to know your neighbors – Admission is an offering of your choice of an ethnic food dish from your kitchen, large enough to feed from 8 to 12 people, or a $$ donation at the door.  Information at 929-1726 or 392-5892 or go to https://facebook.com/HudsonInternationalDinner – 5 to 8 pm – The Hudson Lodge (formerly The Elks Lodge), 601 Union Street (at the southern end of Sixth Street)

Witches Performance Night – In conjunction with the current exhibition – Featuring Ryder Cooley, Sarah Falkner, Pam Grossman, Melinda Kiefer, Shanekia McIntosh, Phaedras, and Laurel Sparks – Information at septembergallery.com – 6 to 8 pm – September Gallery, #3, 449 Warren Street

Tragic Instant – Presented by Instar Lodge at Basilica Back Gallery for the month of April –Seven artists (and friends) converse multi-disciplinary works that explore the strange urgency of instants.  Curated by Sonia Corina – There will be many opportunities for dialogue with performances, dinner conversations, and open house discussions.  This week: A Seat at the Table—an Inter-faith/ Intersectional/ Secular Passover Seder/ Persian New Year Feast/ and Easter celebration  — 7 pm (RSVP required)  – Back Gallery,  Basilica Hudson, 110 South Front Street

National Theatre of London Live screens its production of Tom Stoppard’s “brilliantly funny situation comedy,” Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead – Information and reservations at 822-8448 –7 pm – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

HRC Showcase Theatre presents a staged reading of Up from Stardom by Lawrence DuKore –The play takes place in Hollywood in 1944, where a middle-aged white reporter falls for a young black actress in segregated America.  What are their chances?  Barbara Waldinger, Artistic Director of HRC Showcase, directs a cast of professional actors including Phillip X. Levine, Robert Meksin, Sadrina Renee, and Kim Wafer.  Bob Pagnani narrates the play. –  The performance is followed by a reception and a talkback with the playwright, actors, and artistic director – Information and reservations at 851-2061 – Walk-ins are welcome – 7:30 pm – Auditorium, First Reformed Church of Hudson, 52 Green Street

Bridget Kearney – Best known as a member of the soul-pop sensation Lake Street Dive, Bridget Kearney is stepping out on her own this spring, hitting the road in the wake of the release of her first solo effort, “a wry, big-hearted pop album”…While still a student at the New England Conservatory of Music, Kearney won the grand prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, a harbinger of things to come. – Information at 828-4800 or helsinkihudson.com – 9 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

A night of 60s soul, pop and rock ‘n’ roll with DJ Sheila B. – Record collector and DJ Sheila Burgel has spent most of her life in the dusty old record shops of New York, Tokyo, London, and Paris, in pursuit of the liquorice-black vinyl that has been the foundation for much of her work as a DJ, music historian, compilation producer, and radio host.  She has produced and written the liner notes for several compilations …She DJs her record collection at parties and events worldwide and currently hosts “Sophisticated Boom Boom” on WFMU, the longest running freedom radio station in the US. – Information at http://thehalfmoonhudson.com/events/  or 828-1562 – 9:30 pm to 1:30 am – The Half Moon, 48 South Front Street

Saturday-Sunday, April 22-23

Stair Galleries Fine Arts Exposition Auction – English, Continental and American Fine Art, Furniture & Decorations – Property from the Collection of Ambassador and Mrs. Joseph Verner Reed, Jr. and property from the Collection of Mr. & Mrs. James R. Houghton, The Field, Corning, NY – Online catalogue at stairgalleries.com  – Information at  751-1000 – 11 am each day – Stair Galleries, 549 Warren Street

The Hudson Valley Choral Society presents its Spring Concert, featuring Schubert’s Mass in G and selections from Handel’s Messiah – Conducted by Gretchen Rueckheim – Information at 794-9831 or 828-3698 – Saturday at 7:30 pm. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6 Sylvester Street, Kinderhook; Sunday at 3:30 pm at Christ Church Episcopal, 431 Union Street, Hudson

Sunday, April 23

Gabriel Tajeu performs for this Columbia-Greene Humane Society fundraising event – Growing up in a household that appreciated diverse music, he was provided a mash up of influences across the spectrum from Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind, & Fire, to Miles Davis and Frank Sinatra.  Gabriel will be presenting his songs acoustically in a stripped-down fashion, and sharing some of the inspirations and stories behind the songs, and also playing some of his favorite covers, in this fundraiser for the Humane Society – Information at 828-4800 or helsinkihudson.com – Doors open at 5 pm, show goes on at 7 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

The Fabulous Versatones – This five-man local band plays for dancing and general fooling around – Information at 828-1562 or http://thehalfmoonhudson.com/events/ – Music and dancing from 7 to 9ish pm – The Half Moon, 48 South Front Street

Next Tuesday, April 25

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

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

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