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

Thursday-Sunday, May 4-7

TSL Films:

The Dinner – When a popular congressman running for governor (played by Richard Gere), invites his troubled younger brother and his wife to join him and his wife for dinner at one of the town’s most fashionable restaurants, the stage is set for a tense night

The Death of Louis XIV – Versailles, August 1715 – Back from hunting, Louis XIV feels pain in his leg.  A serious fever erupts, which marks the beginning of the agony of the greatest King of France.  Surrounded by a horde of doctors and his closest counselors who come to his bedside sensing the impending power vacuum, the Sun King struggles to run the country from his bed. – In French with English subtitles

Finding Oscar – In a forgotten massacre during Guatemala’s decades-long civil war, a young boy was spared, only to be raised by one of the very soldiers who killed his family.  Nearly thirty years after the tragedy, it will take a dedicated team to uncover the truth and bring justice to those responsible, by finding the missing boy, whose name is Oscar – In Spanish and English with English subtitles

I, Olga Hepnarova – Olga Hepnarova was a young, lonely lesbian outsider from a cold-hearted family, who couldn’t play the part society desired of her.  Her paranoid self-examination and inability to connect with other people eventually drove her over the edge of humanity when she was only twenty-two years old.  The film shows the human being behind the murderer without glorifying or downplaying the terrible crime she committed. – In Czech 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.

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

Friday, May 5

Hudson Wine Merchants’ weekly Wine Tasting welcomes Peter Jacobi from Grand Cru Selections – Peter will be pouring several selections from around the globe perfectly suited for summer weather! – 5 to 7 pm – Hudson Wine Merchants, 341 Warren Street 

TEEN / Miles Francis– The group is back with its strongest release to date: the third full-length of their discography, “Love, Yes.” – Information at www.thehalfmoonhudson.com or 828-1562 – 8 to 11 pm – The Half Moon, 48 South Front Street

Friday-Sunday, May 5-7

ReActor: Encore Performance by Alex Schweder and Ward Shelley – Schweder and Shelley return to Art Omi for a three-day encore performance in ReActor, the tilting house that has been featured in The New York Times and Art Forum, and became a global viral sensation.  The architects will live in delicate balance in full view of their audience for the three-day performance, exploring the intersection of art, architecture, and social relationships – ReActor is the newest work in an experimental, performative series of “social relationship architecture” by internationally renowned architect-artist team Alex Schweder + Ward Shelley.  The 44-foot by 8-foot structure rotates 360-degrees atop a 15-foot concrete column in response to its inhabitants’ movements, exterior forces, and interior conditions, making visible the intimate relationship between architecture and its inhabitants.  ReActor is part of the 2016-17 Architecture Omi exhibition WOOD: From Structure to Enclosure. – Information at artomi.org – On view in Architecture Field 01, Omi International Arts Center, 1405 County Route 22, Ghent

Saturday, May 6 

The Hudson Farmers’ Market –The market is back in its usual outdoor spot and celebrating its Twentieth Anniversary!  – Assemblywoman Didi Barrett will be on hand to offer a proclamation and to help cut the ribbon – Favorite vendors will be there with such provisions as greens, radishes, eggs, honey, maple syrup, sauerkraut, yogurt, cheeses, pasture-raised meats, sausages and bacon, cut flowers and bedding plants, prepared foods such as quiches, soups, and pot pies, tarts and cookies. – Locally distilled gin, vodka, bourbon and rye, beers and ales are also available – New Vendors include the fishmonger Pura Vida, offering over 23 varieties of fresh, locally-caught fish, and Dairy Direct, selling milk in glass bottles, butter, crème fraiche, eleven flavors of ice cream, and other milk products.  The Destino Taco Cart is also on hand. – Note earlier starting time! – 9 am to 1 pm – Parking lot at Sixth and Columbia Streets

Ninth Annual Hudson Children’s Book Festival – Some 75 Children’s and Young Adult authors & illustrators will be meeting their readers and selling their books – Featured Author Jack Gantos, author of forty-nine books for children from the Rotten Ralph picture books and collections of Jack Henry short stories, to upper elementary and middle school and young adult books, will be attending the festival from 10 am to 12 noon – Authors will be reading from their books in two Read to Me Corners – Award-winning author, songwriter, storyteller and peace educator, John Farrell will perform at the Festival.  John travels the world sharing stories and writing songs.  In June, he is climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, to help a school in Zambia.  He will bring with him a banner expressing the hopes and cares of thousands of children from across the planet, including writing and art from local schools.  This session will feature area children singing with John and sharing songs they’ve helped create.  This session is for all ages – Free admission to the Festival – Also free bus transportation from downtown Hudson and Greenport traveling in a continuous loop from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm – Map available in The Register-Star – Parking is available at the M.C. Smith Intermediate building for bus pick-up –Information at hudsonchildrensbookfestival.com – Festival is from 10 am to 3 pm – Hudson Jr. /Sr. High School, 215 Harry Howard Avenue

Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School May Day Celebration & Spring Fair – Traditional May Day dancing and music, community games, student exhibits, artisan vendors, and entertainment – Magical Puppet Tree presents The Mermaid’s Gift at 1 pm and 2 pm – Information at 672-4465 or hawthornevalleyassociation.org – 10 am to 3:30 pm – Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, 327 County Route 21C, Ghent

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 –1 pm – Time & Space Limited, 434 Columbia Street

The Fiery Sword of Justice, a critically acclaimed solo show written and performed by Lauren Letellier, will be presented as a benefit for the Roe Jan Library – Set in the high-octane world of NYC public relations, the show skewers big Pharma, boozy bosses, and the hilarious, harrowing similarities between dysfunctional families and corporate America – A reception follows the performance – Tickets available at eventbrite.com, or by calling 518-325-4101 – Performance at 3 pm at Ancram Opera House, 1330 County Route 7, just north of the corner of Route 82, Ancram

Exhibition Opening – CELLS: Two Hour Portraits: by Carl Grauer with a Special Opening Event of live portrait painting;  and “InsideOUTthere”: Installation by guest artist George Guarino; Also showing work by gallery artists – On view through May 28 – Information at 518-822-0510 or 510warrenstreetgallery.com – 3 to 6 pm – 510 Warren Street Gallery, 510 Warren Street

Beattie-Powers Place presents jazz pianist Dan Tepfer, “…one of the moment’s most adventurous and relevant musicians.”—New York Magazine – and the accolades continue to pour in!  Dan Tepfer has made an international name for himself as a pianist-composer of wide-ranging ambition, individuality and drive—“A remarkable musician” in the words of The Washington Post, and one who “refuses to set himself limits” in those of France’s Telerama.  The New York City-based Tepfer has performed with some of the leading lights in jazz, from Pharaoh Sanders to veteran saxophone luminary Lee Konitz. Reservations by email to [email protected] – 5 pm – Beattie-Powers Place, Prospect Avenue & Bridge Street, Catskill
Exhibition Opening – Inky Editions presents  Terry James Conrad: Builder’s Alchemy , an exhibition of sculptures and relief monoprints produced with found object presses and handmade inks. – During a nine-month fellowship at the University of Iowa, Conrad built found objects printing presses out of which he produced several unique prints.  All inks were handmade from found materials such as rock, copper, steel, oxidized metal, walnut ink, sawdust and water.  The printing process for these prints takes place over the course of several days.  The impressions and forms evolve over time.  This slow and inefficient process is in contrast with Conrad’s highly skilled and precise methods of craftsmanship.  An educator, printmaker, and sculptor. Conrad is also a carpenter—a job that requires being methodical and efficient.  In his artwork however, he decides to bring common materials into a different platform that defies their known function.  By introducing time, pressure and embossing on paper, he creates unpredictable and innovative forms, giving these materials a new “voice.”  Conrad uses print media and its language to explore process-based themes of systems, geology and architecture.– On view through June 25 –  Information at www.inkyeditions.com or 518-610-5549 – Reception from 5 to 7 pm – Inky Editions, 112 South Front Street (big white  building behind the Basilica)

Exhibition Opening – Carrie Haddad Gallery presents Gathering Ground, a group exhibit of figurative painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and works on paper that blur the lines between painting and photography – Artworks by artists David Koningsberg, Birgit Blyth, David Dew Bruner, and Linda Cross will be on view in the first floor galleries through June 18 –  In addition, the upstairs gallery features a solo exhibit of the latest work by Brooklyn-based photographer Anna Collette.  In this series, Collette captures vignettes of live oaks that were devastated by a flood in Central Texas – Information at carriehaddadgallery.com or 828-1915 – 5 to 7 pm – Carrie Haddad Gallery, 622 Warren Street

Exhibition Opening – Neumann Fine Art presents Kenneth Young: Oil Paintings – The exhibition features some of Young’s popular urban scenes of Warren Street in Hudson which were used in two wall calendars in 2015 and 2016.  Other works include  figurative work, landscapes, and a recent seascape. – Information at www.neumannfineart.com or call 413-246-5776 – Reception at 5:30 p.m. – Neumann Fine Art, 65 Cold Water Street, Hillsdale

Botanica with DJ Ephraim Asili – Information at www.thehalfmoonhudson.com or 828-1562 – 9 pm – The Half Moon, 48 South Front Street

Saturday-Sunday, May 6-7

Basilica Farm & Flea Spring Market – Farmers, artisans, vintage collectors, chefs and makers of handmade goods will populate the annual Farm & Flea Spring Market, the little sister goddess of the large-scale Holiday Market that takes place every Thanksgiving weekend at Basilica. – With a broad variety of makers, collectors and farmers harnessing the spirit and beauty of the Hudson Valley in their own way, Spring Market becomes a dynamic weekend of celebration and renewal. The Market promotes the talents and resources within the Hudson Valley and represents its abundance and splendor – Food and drink are available during the hours of the Market.  Outdoor family activities will help keep kids busy – Information at basilicahudson.org – Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm – Basilica Hudson, 110 South Front Street

Sunday, May 7

Fourth Annual Book It 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Claverack Free Library and the Philmont Public Library – All are invited to support the two libraries while enjoying a 5K run or walk through scenic Columbia County.  The course passes beautiful active farms and rolling hills of historic Claverack – The run/walk begins at 9 am, rain or shine, at the Churchtown Firehouse, goes north on County Route 27, turning left on Schoolhouse Road, continues on Stickles Road, then onto Millbrook Road, and then County Route 12 back to the Firehouse.  A post-race celebration at the finish line includes local refreshments, race awards, and a random prize drawing – Registration can be done in person at either library, or downloaded from www.claveracklibrary.org or www.philmontlibrary.com and mailed in, or register online at www.active.com  – There is a modest registration fee – All fitness levels are welcome – Information at www.claveracklibrary.org or www.philmontlibrary.com  – 9 am – Churchtown Firehouse, County Route 27, Churchtown

The Hudson Opera House opens the doors of the newly restored second floor performance hall with Classics on Hudson’s season of cutting-edge music starting with this concert by Brooklyn Rider.  The season features three groups of musicians who are “smashing stereotypes, electrifying audiences, and redefining the world of classical music.” – Brooklyn Rider  consists of  “four classical musicians performing with the energy of young rock stars jamming on their guitars, a Beethoven-goes-indie foray into making classical music accessible but also celebrating why it was good in the first place,” says the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. – Members of this “post-classical string quartet” are Johnny Gandelsman, violin ; Colin Jacobsen, violin; Nicholas Cords, viola; and Michael Nicolas, cello – Brooklyn Rider’s Hudson debut features works by Beethoven, Glass, and Janacek, plus an original piece by violinist Colin Jacobsen –  Information at hudsonoperahouse.org or 518-822-1438 – 5 pm – Hudson Hall, Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street

Roeliff Jansen Community Library presents clarinetist Paul Green with Joe Rose on piano,  playing Klezmer classics and contemporary Klezmer-influenced pieces.  Mr. Green will discuss the pieces and how they fit into the development of Klezmer music in the United States. Since his TV debut at age 13 with Leonard Bernstein, Paul Green has blazed new paths as a clarinet soloist and lecturer.  Grounded in the classical tradition, he has pursued his passion for jazz and explored the meaning of Jewish music while maintaining his classical concert career.   He has collaborated with numerous world renowned artists and released three CDs. Joe Rose is one of the most sought after pianists and keyboard artists in the Berkshires. A master of many styles, he collaborates often with outstanding artists. Information and reservations at 518 325-4101, or go to www.roejanlibrary.org  – 5 pm – Roeliff Jansen Community Library, 9091 Route 22, approximately a mile south of the light at the Hillsdale intersection of Routes 22 and 23.

Authors’ Reading – Tinker Street, an art/literary journal published out of Woodstock, NY, is staging a reading to celebrate its inaugural issue – Readings will be by contributing authors Violet Snow, Sparrow, Dawn Casteel-Lorick and possible surprise guests – Issue #1 will be available for purchase.

> Dawn Casteel-Lorick has been entranced by the animal world her entire life.  She has worked in many fields, including sanctuaries, shelters, and rescue, and now is an interspecies communicator and healer.  She currently lives in Woodstock, NY and is completing a collection of nature-based writing.

> Sparrow lives in a doublewide trailer in vertiginous Phoenicia, NY with his wife Violet Snow.  Every morning Sparrow attempts to write a poem insulting Donald Trump.  Sparrow’s latest book is How to Survive the Coming Collapse of Civilization (And Other Helpful Hints).

> Violet Snow writes for The Woodstock Times and other periodicals.  Her fiction has been published in Otter Magazine and recorded for The Strange Recital podcast series. A personal essay, “First Arrest,” appeared in Pilgrimage magazine.  She is writing a book about her ancestors.

Information at www.thespottydog.com  or 518-671-6006 – 6 pm – The Spotty Dog Books & Ale, 440 Warren Street

Tear of the Clouds – A Musical Ritual for the Earth – Performances by Dust Bowl Faeries & Luis Mojica – The compositions of Dust Bowl Faeries have roots in Gypsy, klezmer, and vaudeville music.  Accordion, singing saw, ukulele, lapsteel, electric guitar and percussion combine to create the Faeries’ otherworldly sound.  The band was founded by artist-musician Ryder Cooley, co-hostess of the Helsinki Open Mic.  She is accompanied by Karen Cole, Jen DuBois and JoAnn Stevelos. – Hazel, a taxidermy sheep, performs with the Faeries as mascot spirit animal.  Luis Mojica weaves words, chants, and sounds through a loop pedal combining Baroque-style compositions with beatbox and pop percussion. – Information at 828-4800 or helsinkihudson.com – 21+ — Doors open at 6 pm, performance at 8 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Next Tuesday, May 9

Helsinki Open Mic – Try out new material on the big Helsinki stage – Hosted by Cameron Melville and Ryder Cooley – Information at 518-828-4800 or helsinkihudson.com  – Sign-up begins at 6:30 pm – Performance from 7 to 10 pm – Club Helsinki, 405 Columbia Street

Next Wednesday, May 10

The Montgomery C. Smith Intermediate School Drama Club presents Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS, in part with the Columbia County Youth Theatre – The performance features several student actors from the after school program. – Directed by Eileen Maloy and Don Dolan and produced by retired teacher Edgar Acevedo – Free and open to the public – Information at 518-948-7846 – 7 pm – Auditorium, M.C. Smith Intermediate School, 102 Harry Howard Avenue

Charlie Parr / Lorkin O’Reilly / Brett Miller  – Information at www.thehalfmoonhudson.com  or 518-828-1562 – 8 to 11 pm – The Half Moon, 48 South Front Street

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

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