Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015

hudson valley

Mercantile live. work. play.

� � � ����� � � � � �

Join us at the...

WINTER BLAST

��������������������������������Columbia Memorial Health Presented by:

Winter Blast Saturday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Club Helsinki in Hudson Food, drink and a fabulous silent auction. Come dressed to have a blast!

Musical Guests: The Holmes Brothers

A blues band that USA Today describes as “glorious…full of soul and surprises.”

The Holmes Brothers have worked with artists including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Lucinda Williams.

Tickets are $150 each Call 518.828.8239 to purchase your tickets today.

Downtown Bistro

Baby It’s Cold Outside...

in Coxsackie’s Historic District 5-7 Mansion Street Coxsackie, NY (518) 731-2220

Warm the heart of someone special with a locally-crafted gift, dinner or beverage from the Hudson Valley.

Since 1978 · Always Certified Organic Produce Natural Grocery Supplements Cafe & Juice Bar Valentines Gifts, Chocolates Gift Cards!

Valentine’s Weekend

Holiday Menu with All your Quarry Favorites

24 garden st., rhinebeck, n.y.

845-875-2555 cafe & juice bar 845-876-0798

Serving Friday & Saturday 4pm - 10pm Sunday 12 noon - 8:30pm

Open for Dinner 7 Nights a Week

Pub Menu & Lighter Fare Available

75 mill hill rd. woodstock, n.y 845-679-5361

Mon.-Thurs. 4:00pm -9:30pm Fri. & Sat. 4:00pm-10:00pm • Sun. 12:00pm-8:30pm

��� ������� ����

������ ���� ��� �� ��� ���� ������� �� ������ ���� ���� �� ���� �������� �� ��� ��� ���� ������� �������� ��� �����

OPEN YEAR-ROUND Wed. through Sun. 12 to 5 pm

FREE

���� �� ��

Wine Tasting Present coupon at visit.

One coupon per customer. Expires 2/28/15.

��������� ��� ��������� ���� � ������� ������� ��� �� �������� ������� �� ������������ ���� �������������

Like Us on Facebook www.hudson-chathamwinery.com • 518-392-WINE 1900 State Rte 66 • Ghent, NY 12075

���������������������������� ������� ����� ���� ��� � � ���� �� �� �������������

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015

Page 4

FLORIST

“quality plants * flowers * gifts”

Since 1932

767-2255 Remember Your Sweetheart this

Valentine’s Day with Flowers

Beautiful Roses Cut Flowers Arrangements Balloons & Plush Animals 139 Creble Rd. (CR 55) • Selkirk, NY www.VerstandigsFlorist.com

Valentine’s Day

H U D S O N VA L L E Y W E D D I N G S

The Catskill’s Premier Riverfront Outdoor Venue featuring on-site accommodations

• Private, Intimate Setting for your wedding from 30 to 250 guests • Spectacular Views of the Hudson River • Catering Available on Site • Guests Accommodations on Site

agi being able to step into a Thomas Cole painting “Imagine and seee the Hudson River Valley as its first inhabitants did.”

“Turn back the hands of time whilee still enjoying the comforts of the modern day.”

Bookings available year-round!

SHAKESPEARE 216 Route 385, Catskill NY, 12414 2 n. Water St Athens, NY 12015 (518) 947-1104

www.shakespeare-on-the-hudson.com www.stewarthouse.com facebook.com/thestewarthouse facebook.com/hudsonrivermansions

ON THE

HUDSON

Page 5

Columbia-Greene Media

contents Valentine’s Day Calendar

7

Hair Essentials: AnneMichelle Radcliffe Has Styled the Stars, But Her Passion is Making Women Look Like Themselves by Brian PJ Cronin

Live! On Stage Calendar begins

Chocovalley by Brian PJ Cronin

Seasonal Palette Calendar begins

10

PUBLISHER, GENERAL MANAGER Mark Vinciguerra FOUNDER, DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jim Gibbons

12

CO-FOUNDER, EDITOR & DESIGNER Heather Gibbons

14

BUSINESS MANAGER Tammi Ullrich

17

DIRECTOR, CREATIVE SERVICES Phil Finkle AD DESIGN/COMPOSITION Steve LaRowe | Erica Izer

Sounds of the Season Calendar

24

Readings, Signings & Screenings Calendar begins

28

Take the Kids Calendar begins

30

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Ashley Drewes Bob Belby Meghan Espel Tara Buffa Susan Reinshagen ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Nancy Whelan

Mercantile hudson valley

a publication of

one Hudson city centre Suite 202 hudson, ny 12534

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Courtney Wrigley CONTRIBUTOR Brian PJ Cronin

518.828.1616 registerstar.com hvmercantile.com Contents © 2015 Columbia-Greene Media No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher On the cover: “Orchid Eroticus” by Linda Puiatti, 2015. Oil on canvas, 24 x 24 inches. Painted for the Tivoli Artists Gallery’s EROTICA show. The artist uses color, light and shadow to express a strong connection with nature and the drama of a moment. Primarily a landscape painter, Puiatti is also fascinated by the macro world of flowers and their bold sensuality and brilliant hues. Puiatti paints with oils on canvas in her Holmes, New York studio. Her paintings hang in private collections throughout the US, Europe and Africa. The artist welcomes visitors to her studio by appointment.

Call 845 593 3015 or visit www.lindapuiatti.com

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015

Page 6

Page 7

Columbia-Greene Media

valentine’s day Image from page 35 of “The Carolyn Wells year book of old favorites and new fancies for 1909;” (1908); source wikipedia.com

Tussie Mussie Workshop

Marbletown Community Ctr, 3564 Main St., Stone Ridge, NY 12484 Sunday, February 8, 11 a.m.: Discover the tradition behind creating tussie mussies, a small circular nosegay of flowers and herbs, gathered and arranged tightly, and designed to carry a message in the language of flowers. In this hands-on workshop, each student will design their own nosegay to relay a personal message. Please bring your own clippers or floral shears. Tickets: $24; $19 HVGA members Information: 845.418.3640; http://www.hvga.org

Winter Jamboree

Stony Kill Farm, Barn, 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Saturday, February 14, noon-3 p.m.: Warm up in the Greenhouse and buy some beautiful flowering house plants for your loved ones. The barn will be open for visits with the farm animals. Cozy up by the fire circle while sipping on hot chocolate and enjoying some cookies. Enjoy a guided winter walk on the trails. Look for birds as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count. Weather permitting, there will be a snowman building contest – be sure to bring items to decorate them, and snow shoes will be available to rent. Don’t forget to bring your sled! Information: http://www.stonykill.org

Friends of Clermont Valentine’s Dinner

Clermont State Historic Site, Clermont Ave., Germantown, NY 12526 Saturday, February 14, 5:30-7 p.m.: Festive cocktails at the mansion followed by dinners in spectacular private homes. RSVP by February 5. Tickets: $100 Information: http://www.friendsofclermont.org

Big Gay Hudson Valley’s Show Your Love Ball

Locust Grove, 2683 South Rd. (Rte. 9), Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Saturday, February 14, 6:30-11 p.m.: The night will feature a four course meal catered by Ed Kowalski of Crave Restaurant & Lounge with local beer & wine provided by Tousey Winery and Mill House Brewing Company. Poughkeepsie’s very own Half Moon Theatre will serenade attendees with the fabulous live entertainment of Broadway Equity performers. At the end of the meal, guests will enjoy an interactive collection of dessert stations featuring a variety of selections from local artisans. To cap the evening off, music and dancing will be served up by Superior Sounds.Tickets: $85/person Information: http://www.biggayhudsonvalley.com

Fall in Love on the Beverage Trail

Brookview Station Winery, Furnace Brook Winery, Harvest Spirits Distillery, Hudson-Chatham Winery, Hudson Valley Distillers and Tousey Winery Saturday & Sunday, February 14 & 15: The four wineries and two distilleries

that make up the Hudson Berkshire Beverage Trail are having a Valentine’s special. Purchase wristbands for tastings at all locations on the trail for just $20 for two people.

Information: http://www.hudsonberkshireexperience.com

Red Molly

The Egg, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12220 Saturday, February 14, 7:30 p.m.: The folk trio Red Molly – Laurie MacAllister, Abbie Gardner, and Molly Venter – performs original works composed by each of the group members, as well as covers of other songwriters – as heard on their latest recording – “The Red Album.” Tickets: $28 Information: 518.473.1061; http://www.theegg.org

Hudson Heart Red Ball Freestyle Concert

Mid Hudson Civic Center, 14 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Saturday, February 14, 8 p.m.: Concert featuring Lisa Lisa, Coro, Safire, Johnny O, Judy Torres, Nice & Wild, Rockell, Fascination, Nocera, Soave, Rob Base, Cynthia and more legendary performers tba. Tickets: $39-$69 Information: http://www.midhudsonciviccenter.org

The Gender Defenders: Valentine’s Comedy Show

Palace Performing Arts Center, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany, NY 12207 Saturday, February 14, 9 p.m.: Enjoy BIG laughs with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day with “The Gender Defenders.” This year’s show features four hilarious comedians: John Mulrooney, Judy Gold, Kevin Downey Jr. & Michele Balan (as seen on Last Comic Standing, America’s Got Talent & Comedy Central).

Two are male and two are female, each one discussing their unique views on relationships, love and life. Tickets: $50 & $25 before 2/1; $50 & $30 from 2/1-2/13; $50 & $35 day of show Information: 518.465.3334; http://palacealbany.com

Gilded Age Tea & Talk: Love & Marriage in the Gilded Age

Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Old Post Road, Staatsburg, NY 12580 Sunday, February 15, 1-2:30 p.m.: Enjoy tea and refreshments in the servants’ dining hall while listening to a talk about different aspects of Gilded Age etiquette. Finding a suitable spouse was essential to life in Gilded Age society.

Learn some of the rules of courtship and take a look at a few high profile marriages. Registration required. Tickets: $30 Info: 845.889.8851; http://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/25/details.aspx

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015

14 years running

5k

You spent the winter training. Time to come to beautiful Columbia County and see what runners from all over the region have discovered: Sean’s Run is a small town race with a big time festive feel. You will traverse the streets of our charming village, enjoy the many amenities and nice giveaways, experience the fun atmosphere, meet our dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors and feel a special spirit all in support of an important cause. Event shirts to the first 1,200 entries. Again this year: Sean’sRide, our well managed bicycling event with its own special amenities and superb 10-, 20- and 50-mile routes on the day before the 5K.

Register at www.seansrun.com Presented by:

Page 8

Media Sponsor:

KICK INTO HIGH GEAR APRIL 26

CHATHAM NEW YORK

5k Sponsor

Meghan’s Mile Sponsor:

Special Needs Kids Race Sponsor:

Premium Sponsors:

Plumbing, Heating & A/C, Inc.

Page 9

“Over 50 years Experience ”

Columbia-Greene Media

let us make our house your home

JOHN A. ALVAREZ AND SONS CUSTOM MODULAR HOMES 3772 Route 9 Hudson, New York 12534

518.851.9917 • 518.851.9937 fax www.alvarezmodulars.com

$25 OFF

with minimum purchase of urc p $450 450 or more $

Offer expires 2/28/15

518-943-1968

Page 10

AnneMichelle Radcliffe at her Rhinebeck studio. Photo submitted.

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015

Hair Essentials AnneMichelle Radcliffe has styled the stars, but her passion is making women look like themselves

by Brian PJ Cronin The studio at AnneMichelle Hair stands ...adaptability is the in stark contrast to its surroundings. To get key to understanding there you wade through traffic on the stretch the path that’s taken of Route 9 that passes through Rhinebeck, pull Radcliffe from the into the Astor Plaza center just north of the dance stages of Chicago, Dutchess County Fairgrounds and take the stairs hidden in the back, above the hustle and to the red carpet in bustle of a pizza shop. Once you pass through Hollywood, to the warm the door there’s an air of calm and serenity, and inviting studio...in instead of the usual blast of pop music and Rhinebeck. gossip that serves as soundtrack to a salon visit.

AnneMichelle Radcliffe prefers it this way; So being flexible and adaptable is important in Radcliffe at the Emmy’s in 2008. she’s had plenty of experience working under Photo submitted. my end of the business.” hectic and strenuous circumstances, thank you That adaptability is the key to understanding very much.

“Sometimes it’s ‘We need it in five minutes’,” she says, settling the path that’s taken Radcliffe from the dance stages of Chicago, into the salon chair in her studio’s private room. She’s recalling her to the red carpet in Hollywood, to the warm and inviting studio stint as head of the Hair department for Saturday Night Live, a gig at the top of the stairs in Rhinebeck. She studied advertising she did for years and even won an Emmy for in 2008. “Sometimes in college, then realized upon graduation that what she really you get a day or two. Sometimes it’s five minutes. And sometimes wanted to do was dance. So she spent her early 20’s doing what it’s, ‘Oh, we just cut that sketch. Here’s the new one and we need she calls “The actor/dancer thing.” Bartending and other odd it in half an hour.’ You have to restyle, pull new wigs, just like that. jobs squeezed in around classes, auditions and performances.

Page 11

Columbia-Greene Media

It’s somewhat ironic that after years of transforming actors and dancers into larger-than-life characters, her most satisfying work now comes from transforming people back into themselves after a larger-than-life change.

Her early 20’s turned into her mid-20’s. “I was about 26 which need more than just a trim. They need Radcliffe to give them is at the end of a female dancer’s career unless you’re a prima themselves back. ballerina,” she said. “I knew I needed to do something, so I got Radcliffe became a certified image consultant for cancer a job at a professional makeup store because I could always do patients back in 2004, but never did anything about it. She makeup in high school, I did all the girls’ hair and makeup. I felt she wasn’t ready, emotionally, to do that line of work. The must have been naturally gifted, because I certainly didn’t know opportunity to use her training to help those going through what I was doing.” As it so happened, the makeup store Radcliffe chemotherapy kept arising, and she kept pushing it off. Finally, worked at was the one where all the professional models and she realized that as nervous as the work made her, the focus fashion photographers shopped. That led to her booking makeup was not on her. “I still didn’t think I was ready,” she recalled. gigs through modeling agencies, which “But I realized that they needed me. I led to a job doing makeup and face am providing a service that is crucial painting for the Chicago Lyric Opera. to their sense of themselves and their And that’s when she made a startling sense of well-being. After they lose discovery. their hair, they want to look into the “The wigs. I fell in love with those mirror and see themselves looking wigs.” back.”

Radcliffe became transfixed with Radcliffe recommends that the transformative qualities of the clients come to see her as soon as opera’s wigs; their architectural and they’re diagnosed, before they begin sculptural qualities. “When I painted chemotherapy. That way she can study someone’s face it changed them, but the their hair color, their cut, and create a wigs were always the crowning glory wig that will be an exact match. Once that took them to that final destination. their hair begins to fall out, they come I made up my mind: I was going to back to her. She helps them shave their learn about wigs.” heads all the way. There’s often tears, She got her chance when a job some hugs, some nervous laughter. opened up at the American Ballet “And then,” says Radcliffe, “I give Theater in New York doing makeup and them their hair back. And then they’re hair, a perfect fit considering her own joyful.” background as a dancer. That was where It’s somewhat ironic that after Wig styled by Radcliffe for Saturday Night Live character Teresa she learned about wigs and launched years of transforming actors and Caputo, the Long Island Medium. a career doing hair for an impressive dancers into larger-than-life characters, list of movies, television shows and ‘When I painted someone’s her most satisfying work now comes Broadway productions. From John from transforming people back into face it changed them, McCain to Justin Timberlake, from but the wigs were always themselves after a larger-than-life Tom Hanks to The Wu-Tang Clan; the crowning glory that change. But the true irony is that in a if you’ve heard of them, chances are career filled with accolades, awards, and took them to that final she has done their hair at some point. recognition, the greatest joy she gets destination...’

It’s all very glamorous on paper, but it now is when she does her job and no eventually became a grind in real life, one notices that anything is different.

“I’ve had a few clients, they’ve been complimented on their according to Radcliffe.

“Saturday Night Live kept asking me to come back, but I hair, because nobody knows it’s a wig,” she says. “And their was splitting myself for two years between SNL and up here. friends say “You’ve got to tell me where you get your hair done; Being that SNL is Wednesday through Saturday, and then I I love your hair so much!’ And they would say whatever salon would do Sunday through Tuesday up here to squeeze in my they went to before they came to see me.” clients. But this is where my heart is, my passion.”

“That’s the ultimate compliment. Because it means it’s truly As much as Radcliffe enjoys the everyday styling, the cuts undetectable.” and colors she does here at AnneMichelle Hair, that’s not what she’s referring to when she talks about her heart. Her passion Brian PJ Cronin is a freelance writer in Beacon, NY. You can find him online at lies in what she does in this small private studio, for clients who brianpjcronin.com and on Twitter as @brianpjcronin.

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015

Page 12

on stage live!

Cynthia Hopkins in ‘Cynthia Hopkins: A Living Documentary,’ to be performed at the Richard B. Fisher Center’s LUMA Theater at Bard College on Feb. 20 & 21. Photo by Jeff Sugg.

Heroes

Ghent Playhouse, 6 Town Hall Place, Ghent, NY 12075 Through February 8, Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m.: At a French retirement home for ex-servicemen, three WWI veterans spend their days sharing past glories, irritating each other, and gossiping about unbearable fellow “inmates.” Only the genius of Tom Stoppard can take such a bittersweet scenario and turn it into a hysterical romp, as the Great War heroes plan their escape! Tickets: $20; $10 students & children under 12 Information: http://ghentplayhouse.org

How Water Behaves

Capital Repertory Theater, 111 North Pearl St., Albany, NY 12207 Through February 8, Tues.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.: What do wells in Africa, a Trojan Horse, a sperm bank, figs and string theory have in common? They’re all a part of the wonderfully zany world of Sherry Kramer’s delightful comedy, How Water Behaves. It all begins when Nan and her out-of-work webmaster hubby, Steve, realize they can’t afford to keep up the extravagant gift giving that has become their family’s tradition. In an effort to make everyone happy, they announce that they have made a gift to a charity in everyone’s name. Except it’s a fictitious charity. No problem — until the website that Steve creates to seal the deal becomes prey to cyberspace hijinks, with deliciously funny and unpredictable results. Tickets: $20-$60 Information: 518.445.7469; http://www.capitalrep.org

Skin Horse Theater

Richard B. Fisher Center for Performing Arts at Bard College, LUMA Theater, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Saturday, January 31, 2 p.m.: Skin Horse is a theater company founded

in 2009 by five Bard students. Now based in New Orleans and the recipient of a 2014 Big Easy Award, the company returns to the Fisher Center to develop a new project. Followed by a post-performance discussion with the artist. Tickets: free, reservations required.

Information: 845.758.7900; http://fishercenter.bard.edu

Annual Hearts on Fire Performance

Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, 12 Vassar St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Saturday, January 31, 7 p.m.: Annual culminating performance by The D’amby Project celebrating the dance students’ hard work and accomplishments. Tickets: purchase at the door Information: http://thedambyproject.com

Hannibal Buress

The Egg, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12220 Thursday, February 5, 8 p.m.: Hannibal Buress is a wildly popular Emmy and WGA Award nominated comedian, writer and actor who The New York Times praises as having an “irresistible” comedic presence that lands squarely between “cerebral and swagger.” He is a cast member on the hit Comedy Central series “Broad City,” which will premiere its second season in 2015, and is the co-host of Adult Swim’s “The Eric Andre Show.” This summer he also appeared in the blockbuster comedy feature “Neighbors,” starring Seth Rogen and Zac Efron, and later this year he can be seen in the film “Flock of Dudes,” starring Chris D’Elia, Eric Andre, and Hillary Duff. Tickets: $28 Information: 518.473.1061; http://www.theegg.org

Page 13

Columbia-Greene Media

Rhapsody in Black

Bardavon, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Friday, February 6, 7 p.m.: Written and performed by LeLand Gantt.

Developed at the Actors Studio by Estelle Parsons, Rhapsody in Black is a one man show that explores Gantt’s personal journey to understand and eventually transcend racism in America. We follow his spellbinding life story -- from an underprivileged childhood in the ghettos of McKeesport, PA to teenage experiments with crime and drugs to scholastic achievement and an acting career that lands adult LeLand in situations where he is virtually the only African-American in the room. How he manages to cope with the various psychological effects of consistently being marked The Other is recounted in remarkable and exquisitely moving detail, guaranteed to leave lasting impressions. Charming, selfdeprecatingly funny and linguistically awesome, Gantt confronts heavy subjects with all the passion and poignancy of a preacher speaking the Gospel. In his own words, “Objective truth strikes a chord.” Tickets: $6 suggested donation Information: http://www.bardavon.org

Boeing-Boeing

County Players Falls Theatre, 2681 W. Main St., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Feb. 6-21, Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 15, 2 p.m.: It’s the 1960s, and swinging bachelor Bernard couldn’t be happier: a flat in Paris and three gorgeous stewardesses all engaged to him without knowing about each other. But Bernard’s perfect life gets bumpy when his friend Robert comes to stay and a new and speedier Boeing jet throws off all of his careful planning. Soon all three stewardesses are in town simultaneously, timid Robert is forgetting which lies to tell to whom, and catastrophe looms. A riotous farce that recently enjoyed hit revivals in London and New York.

Tickets: $17; $14 seniors & children 12 and under.

Information: http://countyplayers.org

Washington Square

The Spencertown Academy Arts Center, 790 Route 203, Spencertown, NY 12165 Fri.-Sun., Feb. 6-8 and 13-15: A dramatic adaptation of Henry James’ 1880 novel, “Washington Square,” performed by The Actor’s Ensemble.

The piece, which has been developed by the Actors’ Ensemble over the past three years, stars Bethany Caputo, Chris Smith, Fern Sloan and Ted Pugh. Collectively, the cast has appeared in major Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, in theatrical productions in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and Washington, and on TV and in feature films.

Tickets: email info@actorsensemble.org for information Information: 518.392.3693; http://spencertownacademy.org

The Who’s Tommy

Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 February 6-22; Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.: The Castaway Players Theatre Company is proud to present the classic rock opera, The Who’s “Tommy,” the story of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy...hope...healing... and the human spirit. Tickets: $26; $24 Information: 845.876.3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

Sankofa: African Drum & Dance Ensemble

Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, February 7, 8 p.m.: Sankofa’s performances create an atmosphere of an indigenous African village where everyone gets involved. When the drums are played, there is a dialogue between them its like a language, which is complemented by voices raised in call-and-response, where one voice calls out a phrase and other voices answer back with the same phrase a chorus repeated throughout the rhythm. The marriae of polyrythm and chants leads the way for other

instruments, like sheakeres, flutes, and xylophones. Dancers complete the performance giving additional meaning to already powerful experience. Tickets: $10 Information: http://howlandculturalcenter.org

The Illustrated Man

Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, 12 Vassar St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Fri. & Sat., Feb. 13 & 14, 7 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 15, 3 p.m.: An original adaptation of six short stories by Ray Bradbury by Cocoon Theatre’s Production Program featuring students ages 12-16. Tickets: $15 Information: http://cocoontheatre.org/index.htm

Chef Robert Irvine Live

UPAC, 601 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 Sunday, February 15, 7 p.m.: More than just a cooking demo, Robert Irvine LIVE is an interactive show that provides multiple opportunities for audience participation while witnessing the challenging nature of the TV show, Dinner: Impossible, come to life right before your eyes.

Tickets: $30-$125 Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

Cynthia Hopkins: A Living Documentary

Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College, LUMA Theater, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Fri. & Sat., Feb. 20 & 21, 7:30 p.m.: “Breathtaking visionary” (Time Out New York) Cynthia Hopkins presents her latest music-theater performance: a hilarious and searing reflection on the trials and tribulations of earning a living as an artist in 21st-century New York City.

Tickets: $25; $10 students Information: 845.758.7900; http://fishercenter.bard.edu

Annie Jr.

Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, 12 Vassar St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Sat. & Sun., Feb. 21 & 22, time tba: Based on the popular comic strip

by Harold Gray, Annie the world-wide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical is now adapted for young performers in Annie JR. Produced by Standing Room Only. Tickets: tba Information: http://srotheatercompany.com/index.html

La Cage Aux Folles

Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 February 27-March 22; Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.: This acclaimed Broadway musical features the bawdy humor of Harvey Fierstein and the melodic genius of Jerry Herman. The original Broadway production won 6 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book and inspired the hit film “The Birdcage,” starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. The story focuses on a gay couple: Georges, the manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment, and Albin, his romantic partner and star attraction, and the farcical adventures that ensue when Georges’s son, Jean-Michel, brings home his fiancée’s ultra-conservative parents to meet them.

Tickets: $27; $25 Information: 845.876.3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Cabin Fever Cabaret

Club Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, February 28, 9 p.m.: Hosted by Ringmistress Philomena with Kinko the Clown and a plethora of phenomenal performers.

Tickets: $20 advance; $25 door; $15 clowns in make-up or costume Information: 518.828.4800; http://helsinkihudson.com

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015

Page 14

chocovalley

Assorted chocolates by Oliver Kita. Photo submitted.

by Brian PJ Cronin The Hudson Valley has been hailed as “The Napa Valley of the East Coast” for our lovely and verdant fields, lush agriculture, and award winning vineyards within driving proximity to each other. But one thing we have here that the Napa Valley doesn’t: bone crushing winter. I am not entirely certain what the folks in Napa are doing this time of year, but it probably doesn’t involve snow shovels, strapping traction spikes onto boots, and scrubbing a two inch thick crust of salt off of their cars.

So perhaps this is not the best time of year to tour the Hudson Valley’s vineyards. But it is the ideal time of year to tour the many small, independent chocolatiers that thrive between I84 and I-90. For one thing, they’re all indoors and they all have heat. And Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year. What better way to spend the day then driving through the Valley with your beloved, sampling the glories of the Hudson Valley Chocolate Revolution?

“Hopefully there’s going to be an awaking in consumers like there has been with craft breweries,” said John Courtsunis of Newburgh’s Commodore Chocolatier “and they’ll want to travel around, whether its cross country or cross county, to different small chocolatiers and compare how they’re different.”

With that, we present our round-up of some of our favorite places to load up on caffeine and theobromine in the Hudson Valley, as well as each shop’s recommendations as to what to get that special someone and their own thoughts as to why chocolate remains the perfect gift. If chocolate is, as its scientific name Theobroma cacao suggests, the food of the gods, then here is your 140 mile, four hour round trip to heaven and back (leave yourself two and a half hours for driving, 45 minutes for sampling, and 45 minutes for a sugar crash induced nap somewhere near the Catskills.)

Alps Sweet Shop 269 Main Street, Beacon, 888-442-2577 1054 Main Street, Fishkill http://www.alpssweetshop.com

Heaven & Earth truffles from Alps Sweet Shop.

There’s been an Alps Sweet Shop in Beacon for almost as long as there’s been a Beacon. Opening in 1922, Alps is the Hudson Valley’s oldest chocolate shop and it’s got the

following to prove it. “We do very little if any advertising,” explains third-generation chocolatier Terry Craft. “Word of mouth built this business.”

For Valentine’s Day: The flagship truffle is the Heaven & Earth truffle: A blend of two single-origin chocolates mixed with heavy cream, dipped into a third chocolate and then rolled with cocoa powder.

Page 15 Why Chocolate? “There’s lots of science and folklore behind it, but I don’t need science to know that everyone who walks through that door is coming in here to either make themselves feel good or make someone else feel good,” said Craft.

Peanut butter pretzel gourmetibles. Photo submitted.

The Chocolate Studio/Gourmetibles 494 Main Street, Beacon, 845-765-1165 http://gourmetible.com/thecandy Anne St. George became known in the Hudson Valley for her Gourmetibles: A unique treat that’s half-candy, half-cookie, and fully addicting. Last year she teamed up with chocolatier Joanne Meyer to open The Chocolate Studio, which not only offers the full range of Gourmetibles, but also a variety of chocolates, cakes, kid’s birthday parties and their new late night ladies’ chocolate parties.

For Valentine’s Day: Chocolate dipped strawberries, a chocolate bliss cake made for two with a port wine reduction, and of course the chocolate covered bacon Why Chocolate? “What’s not to love about chocolate?” said Meyer “It always puts a smile on people’s faces.”

Oliver Kita creation. Photo submitted.

Oliver Kita 18 West Market Street, Rhinebeck, 845-876-2665 http://www.oliverkita.com

Chocolatier Oliver Kita designs his signature chocolates similar to the way that perfumes are designed, with a base note, a middle note and a top note. “They’re multilayered in amplitude in taste,” said Kita. And

Columbia-Greene Media

Chocolate is love.. It’s something you want to experience again and again. he’s been making chocolates long enough that he knows exactly what his Valentine’s Day customers want. “It’s always men giving chocolates to women,” he said. “Not vice versa.

Usually they come in with a budget of $40 to $60 and they want a beautiful heart shaped box. And then it’s our job to fill it.”

For Valentine’s Day: “I do really romantic flavors for Valentine’s Day. We do one called “The Love Letter” with Saint Germain liqueur from Paris, which is made with elderflower blossoms. The liquor is the top note, the middle note is something I add that’s a secret, and the dark chocolate is the base note.”

Why Chocolate? “Chocolate is love. The serotonin uptake it supplies is similar to the serotonin uptake that comes with that feeling of romance, with that first kiss. It’s something you want to experience again and again.”

Taste Budds’ assorted handmade chocolates. Photo submitted.

Taste Budds Coffee and Chocolate Cafe 40 West Market Street, Red Hook, 845-758-6500 http://tastebudds.com Chef Dan Budd and Chocolatier Laura Nieves don’t just make chocolates. Taste Budds is a full cafe and restaurant that just happens to also sell chocolates on the side. But as tastes have changed, that side of their business has grown. “We’ve always sold our own handmade chocolates, but now that the market has grown we’re selling more than ever,” said Budd. “We make them fresh, in very small batches. We don’t make a new batch until we sell out.”

For Valentine’s Day: “We make a 4 piece, an 8 piece and a 15 piece box. Sometimes that’s not enough for people, so they get two 15 piece boxes and double them up.”

Why Chocolate? “Well, there’s those thousands of chemical compounds in it that make us secrete endorphins and feel love. But a lot of people are realizing now how much better real chocolate made with real cocoa butter from

a specific origin tastes than what you pick up at the gas station.”

Angelina On The Hudson. Photo submitted.

The Chocolate Bar 135 Warren Street, Hudson, 518-828-3139 http://www.hudsonchocolatebar.com If you’ve only got time to go to one place on Valentine’s Day, then make it The Chocolate Bar: It’s pretty much the same as going to a dozen chocolatiers at once. “We don’t make our own chocolates,” explains Kim Bach. “Instead we represent as many local chocolatiers as we can find, as well as Brooklyn and other New York City chocolatiers.” In addition to being an independent chocolate super store, The Chocolate Bar is also a cafe, a tea shop, a bakery, and serves a wide variety of chocolate drinks.

For Valentine’s Day: While Bach says you can’t go wrong with a 16 piece box of Oliver Kita chocolates, those stopping by the store with their loved ones should consider having a seat and enjoying one of their famous chocolate drinks made in-house. “We do what we call an ‘Angelina On The Hudson,’” she explained. “It’s based on the famous Cafe Angelina in Paris. It’s a pot of chocolate and a cup of cream. It’s a little decadent.”

Why Chocolate? “It’s the new health food, right?”

Vasilow’s Grand Marnier truffles decorated by hand.

Photo submitted.

Vasilow’s Confectionary 741 Columbia Street, Hudson, 518-828-2717 http://www.vasilows.com Hudson has become known as a town of locals and a town of weekenders with second homes coming up from New York City,

continued on page 16 g

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015 continued from page 15 i

It’s sweet, but it’s also bitter, so it encompasses all the experiences and complexities of love.

Vasilow’s prides itself on catering to both crowds. “We have a wide customer base, in both locals and people coming up from the city,” explains Kate Vasilow. “I think a lot of chocolate shops are crazy expensive. But we make a good living selling a good product at a good price.”

For Valentine’s Day: If you’re planning on making the day really special - perhaps popping a certain question - come into Vasilow’s beforehand with the ring and they’ll seal it inside an edible chocolate box.

Why Chocolate? “It’s a wonderful tradition.

We have a gentleman who’s been coming in every year with a five pound box that he’s been giving his wife for 30 years, and every year we spruce up the box and fill it for him.”

Krause’s heart-shaped chocolate box filled with chocolates.

Krause’s Chocolates 41 South Partition Street, Saugerties, 845-246-8377 2 Church Street, New Paltz, 845-255-1272 6423 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck, 845-876-3909 http://krauseschocolates.com Krause’s Chocolates has been in business since 1929, and third generation chocolatier Karl Krause has been making chocolate since he was 8. “ They’re all hand-dipped, by humans, one piece at a time” he explained. “I’m not going to go into why that makes it taste better, because it’s a trade secret, but you can taste the difference. It’s harder, more expensive, tedious, and even frustrating. But we still do it, because that’s what makes it taste the best.”

For Valentine’s Day: “We make a chocolate heart-shaped box that you can fill with our hand dipped chocolates. So once you’re done with the inside, you go ahead and eat the box.”

Why Chocolate? “If you give someone chocolate, you know they’re going to like it. It’s not like it’s not going to fit.”

Lucky Chocolates assortment. Photo submitted.

Lucky Chocolates 115 Partition Street, Saugerties, 845-246-7337 http://www.luckychocolates.com Rae Stangs prides herself on her small batch truffles, made using organic and local ingredients. And if you’re still hungry after sampling a few, Lucky Chocolates is also a cafe. http://www.luckychocolates.com/ For Valentine’s Day: While the truffles are the star of the show, Stang also makes a chocolate pizza - as in, a giant block of chocolate in the shape of a pizza, served in a pizza box.

“So you pick one up, bring it home, and say to your wife ‘Oh, I just got us a pizza tonight for Valentine’s Day,” Stang explains. “And then right before she kills you, you open the box.”

Why Chocolate? “They’re very rich, intense and luxurious, so they’re not really something you buy for yourself. Well, at least not a whole box.”

Assortment of Lagusta’s Luscious and socially-conscious chocolates. Photo submitted.

Lagusta’s Luscious 25 North Front Street, New Paltz, 845-255-8834 http://www.lagustasluscious.com Chocolatier Lagusta Yearwood Umami has a background in animal-rights activism and carries that same fiery and noble spirit into her work: Everything she makes is vegan, organic

Page 16

and fair-trade. But her politics is only one of the things her store is known for. “We have a lot of really weird flavors,” she said, referencing such creations as a Bourbon Chile bar and a Smoked Corn on the Cob bar. “It’s fun to experiment.”

For Valentine’s Day: “We make an anatomical heart chocolate, which looks like a human heart, made with cacao nibs, Stumptown Coffee and dried cherries every Valentine’s Day. Everybody really looks forward to it.”

Why Chocolate? “It’s sweet, but it’s also bitter, so it encompasses all the experiences and complexities of love.”

Commodore Chocolatier’s pistachio gianduja. Photo submitted.

Commodore Chocolatier 480-482 Broadway, Newburgh, 845-561-3960 http://www.chocolateusa.com Newburgh has been through a lot of changes throughout the years, but Commodore Chocolatier has been in the same storefront on Upper Broadway since 1935. “We’re still learning, still trying to be better,” said second generation chocolatier John Courtsunis while his son Gus nodded in agreement. “Last year, after Valentine’s Day, a man who’s been coming into the store for 25 years said, ‘My daughter said that this year the chocolates were better than ever.’”

For Valentine’s Day: “Get a mixed box.

We make so many different things to choose from. We’re like a great restaurant with a full menu. There’s always going to be something on there that you’ll like.”

Why Chocolate? “It’s affordable and you’re not going to be disappointed.”

. .we have a gentleman who’s been coming in every year with a five pound box that he’s been giving to his wife for 30 years, and every year we spruce up the box and fill it for him.

Page 17

Columbia-Greene Media

Seasonal

PA L E T T E du tch ess Albert Shahinian Fine Art

22 E. Market St., 3rd Flr., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Ongoing: Celebrating its 18th year, the gallery showcases the best in contemporary, regional, 20th century, & Hudson River art in the area, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and works-on-paper. Hours: Thurs., Fri. & Sat., noon-5 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. + by appt or chance Information: 845.876.7578; http://www.shahinianfineart.com

Artists Collective of Hyde Park

4338 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park, NY 12538 Through February 8: “Reflections: An Art Show.”

Gallery Hours: Thurs.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.

Information: http://www.facebook.com/HydeParkArtists

Barrett Art Center

55 Noxon St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 January 23-February 27: “Four4Four ‘15,” Barrett’s second annual solo show exhibit featuring four artists exhibiting a solo show in their own gallery space: Jose Gomez, Maria Kolodziej-Zincio, Gregory Pepe, K.D. Schmitz. Reception: Friday, January 23, 5-7 p.m.

Gallery Hours: Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; and by appt.

Information: 845.471.2550; http://barrettartcenter.org

Beacon Artist Union (bau)

506 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Main Gallery, through February 8: “bau 121: Decade,” reflects 10 years of continuous operation of the artist union. The show features paired

‘What’s That Noise?’ by Silvana Tagliaferri, on exhibit during Tivoli Artists Gallery’s upcoming ‘Works on Paper’ show.

artwork from each represented artist - one from 10 years ago, and one from the present. There will be a central installation piece produced by all of the artists.

Beacon Room, through February 8: Matt Frieburghaus.

Hours: Sat. & Sun., noon-6 p.m.

Information: 845.440.7584; http://baugallery.com

Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries Gallery

199 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Through March 8: Ghosts of the Gulf is an exhibit of strikingly vivid images of marine species collected in the Gulf of Mexico after the 2010 Deep Water Horizons disaster. Through the colorful art and biology of Brandon Ballengée, these once-common species seem to rise as apparitions from the depths, haunted icons of contemporary environmental chaos. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.1 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (2nd Sat. until 8 p.m.)

Information: 845.765.2721; http://www.bire.org/events

Betsy Jacaruso Studio & Gallery

The Courtyard, 43 East Market St., Suite 2, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Through January 30: “Small Works Holiday Show,” featuring small paintings for $100, including watercolors by Betsy Jacaruso and the Cross River Artists. Also, “Art for the HeART,” small, mounted paintings for $10 each.

Gallery Hours: Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and by appt. or chance Information: 845.516.4435; www.betsyjacarusoartist.com continued on page 18 g

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015 continued from page 17 i

Cooper-Finn Gallery

24 Front St., Millbrook, NY 12545 Through February: “Figures: Animal, Vegetable, Mineral,” featuring painters John Folchi and Kathleen Gefell, and photographer, Marcia Slatkin. Also, works by Kate Avery and Mado Speigler from the gallery’s artists’ collection. Gallery Hours: Fri. & Sat., 1-4 p.m. & by appt.

Information: 845.605.1150; http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Cooper-Finn-Gallery

Dia:Beacon

Riggio Galleries, 3 Beekman Street, Beacon, NY 12508 Permanent Collection: In addition to the permanent collection, Dia Art Foundation is currently exhibiting: Ongoing: “24 Farben – fur Blinky (24 Colors – for Blinky), 1977,” Imi Knoebel’s cycle of 21 shaped paintings.

Through March 9: “Carl Andre: Sculpture as Place, 1958-2010,” the first North American retrospective of the work of Carl Andre (American, b. 1935) who is credited with redefining the parameters of abstract sculpture. The exhibition will mark the most comprehensive presentation of Andre’s work in the United States since 1970 and will be accompanied by a new exhibition at the Dan Flavin Art Institute, in Bridgehampton, New York, as well as a major publication.

Admission: $12; $10 seniors; $8 students; children under 12 free Hours: Thurs.-Mon.,11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Information: 845.440.0100; http://diaart.org/sites/main/beacon

Page 18

Reception: Saturday, February 21, 5:30 p.m.

Hours: Fri. & Sat., noon-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m.; and by appt.

Information: 845.471.7477; http://millstreetloft.org

Hudson Beach Glass Gallery

162 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Through February 8: Fovea presents the first of their semi-annual exhibits at Hudson Beach Glass: “Braving Ebola,” by photojournalist Daniel Berehulak. The exhibit features striking black and white photographic portraits and interviews of workers and survivors of the epidemic in a clinic in rural Liberia, photographed on assignment last fall for the New York Times.

Gallery Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Information: 845.440.0068; http://hudsonbeachglass.com

Equis Art Gallery

7516 North Broadway, Red Hook, NY 12571 Ongoing: Owned by Equine Fine Art Photographer and Director of the Ex Arte Equinus art competition, Juliet R. Harrison, the gallery showcases the best in contemporary, non-traditional international equine art. Representing some of the finest contemporary equine artists in the world, including paintings, sculpture, works in graphite and fine art photography. Hours: Fri. & Sat., noon-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m.; and by appointment Information: 845.758.2667; http://equisart.com

Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center

College Center, Main Building, Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 January 30-March 29: “XL: Large-Scale Paintings from the Permanent Collection.” The ever-expanding measurements of paintings has been a topic of interest since the mid-20th century when New York School painters first pushed the boundaries of museum walls to their limits. In 1947, at the height of the Abstract Expressionist era, the Museum of Modern Art mounted an exhibition called Large-Scale Modern Paintings; to qualify for inclusion, paintings had to measure at least six feet in one direction. Today, a similar set of criteria has been applied to the Art Center’s permanent collection to arrive at a group of monumental paintings that are at once impressive and daunting. These larger-thanlife canvases invite an extraordinary visual experience in which the viewer is immersed in the field of painting. XL, which includes work by Kevin Appel, Roger Brown, Nancy Graves, Joyce Kozloff, Alfred Leslie, Agnes Martin, Joan Mitchell, and Jules Olitski, is a testament to the enduring visual power of mural-sized painting. Hours: Tues., Wed., Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m.

Information: 845.437.5237; http://fllac.vassar.edu

Gallery 45

Mill Street Loft, 45 Pershing Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 February 21-March 14: “Senior Project Exhibition.”

Alexis Gutek, Junior, Marlboro HS, Art Institute of MSL, Self Portrait, Acrylic

James W. Palmer Gallery

Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 January 29-February 19: “Teen Visions ‘15,” featuring more than 60 paintings, drawings and photographs by local high school students who participated in the Art Institute of Mill Street Loft’s summer Art Intensive Program. Representing a wide variety of media, the artwork exhibited in Teen Visions ’15 was selected by a panel of educators from more than 1,500 works, based upon artistic statement, vision, and visual acuity, as well as individual accomplishment.

Reception: Thursday, January 29, 5-7 p.m.

Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Information: 845.437.5237; http://www.millstreetloft.org

Page 19

Columbia-Greene Media

Montgomery Row

2nd Floor, 6423 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Through February 27: “Reminiscence” is a solo exhibition of oil paintings and pastels by Rhinebeck resident IE “Sunny” Wirth documenting a lifetime of family, friends and landscapes. Each work shows Wirth’s innate ability to capture the emotions accompanying events such as viewing a sunset or an intimate conversation between friends. Her portraits reflect each person’s personality through their viage or posture. Her use of color brings the viewer directly into contact with the subject accentuating both that individual’s individuality and the universality of relationships. Hours: Mon.-Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Information: 845.876.0543; http://www.montgomeryrow.com/art.html

The Moviehouse Studio Gallery

48 Main St., Millerton, NY 12546 Through April 9: “Resonance: The Paintings & Drawings of Elizabeth Seewald Hill.” Amenia resident Seewald Hill’s work is inspired and influenced by the artists and musicians in her family – emotional resonance. Her images are a unique blend of realism and surrealism, addressing spatial ambiguities and emotional sensations by organizing and composing the formal functions of light, line, shape and form. The artist also has a close connection to objects in her life, which she also incorporates into her work. Very often these objects belonged to loved ones or are of particular emotional significance.

Hours: Mon.-Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Information: http://www.themoviehouse.net

RiverWinds Gallery

172 Main St., Beacon 12508 Through February 8: “City Dreams,” paintings by Basha Maryanska.

“My painting is like a mirror of my Soul” says Maryanska. ”The inspirations come and go. My Spirit dances with colors.” She transforms space, light and shadows, shapes and movements into compositions that look like mysterious landscapes. Her colors vibrate and have texture that portrays light and air with a magical transparency. Her New York cityscapes poetically capture the tempo and magic of the city.

Hours: Wed.-Mon., noon-6 p.m.; Second Saturday, noon-9 p.m.

Information: 845.838.2880; http://riverwindsgallery.com

Theo Ganz Studio

149 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 January 24-February 22: “Searching for a New Planet (Only History Remains) 2002-2014,” sculpture, books, drawings and paintings by Ilse Schreiber-Noll. Searching for a New Planet - for which the artist received a Puffin Foundation Grant - has become a multi-media meditation on the plight of our planet using children as “the narrative to bring awareness to the issues that are posing serious threats to humanity” ...violence and war, environmental catastrophes, disease and famine.

While the theme of the project is dark and unyielding - read the artist’s full statement on the website - her small-scale drawings and paintings here convey a lyrical almost-storybook mood of possibility and adventure. Reception: Saturday, January 24, 3-5 p.m.

Hours: Fri.-Sun., noon-5 p.m.

Information: 917.318.2239; http://www.theoganzstudio.com

Tivoli Artists Gallery

60 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583 Through February 1: “New Year/New Work,” joint show with The Columbia County Council on the Arts.

February 6-22: Annual “Erotica” show featuring artwork of an erotic nature by member artists.

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 7, 7-9 p.m. featuring lively

cabaret entertainment and erotic edibles. Live entertainment begins at 8 p.m. This year there will be a montage from “Carnival of Dreams,” a performance piece by Cait Johnson and Friends. Belly dancing by Donna Barrett will be accompanied by Elena Erber, along with erotic poems and songs. See the Snake Woman, the Mechanical Doll and the Evil Magician. Adults-only fun for the voyeur in all of us. Festive attire and cross dressing are welcome. $10 cover charge at the door. 18+ only.

February 27-March 22: “Works on Paper,” an intriguing collection of work offering unique perspectives, both of paper as artistic concept as well as more traditional approaches to its use as a medium. Work includes photography, painting, printmaking, sculptural creations and more. Exhibiting artists include: Julia Aneshansley, Frana Baruch, Diane Bauer, Dot Chast, Denise Chandler, Marie Cole, Roxie Johnson, Anita Kiewra, Gregory Martin, Sue Martin, Susan Picard, Alan Reich, Gilbert Rios, Joan Schwartzman, Silvana Tagliaferri, Karl Volk, and Marsha Walton.

Hours: Fri., 5-9 p.m.; Sat., 1-9 p.m. Sun., 1-5 p.m. & by appt.

Information: 845.757.2667; http://www.tivoliartistsgallery.com

Columbia BCB Art

116 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through February 28: “Round Up,” highlights from the past year’s exhibitions as well as previews for the upcoming 2015 schedule of exhibitions. Hours: Thurs.-Sun., noon-6 p.m. and by appt.

Information: 518.828.4539; http://bcbart.com

Carrie Haddad Gallery

622 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 January 28-March 1: “Painted Cities,” a group show with gallery artists in a multitude of media, including: Margaret Crenson, Darshan Russell, Arthur Hammer, Dan Rupe, Scott Nelson Foster, Paul Chojnowski, Joseph Maresca, Richard Merkin, Bill Sullivan, Edward Avedisian, and Patty Neal. Reception: Saturday, January 31, 6-8 p.m.

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Information: 518.828.1915; http://www.carriehaddadgallery.com

Columbia County Council on the Arts Gallery

209 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 January 24-March 21: “On and Off the Wall,” sculpture in all forms - free-standing, wall-mounted, relief and assemblage. Juried by John Cooley. Reception: Saturday, January 24, 5-7 p.m.

Hours: Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat., 1-5 p.m.

Information: 518.671.6213; http://www.artscolumbia.org

Concepto

741 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through January 31: “Permanent Collection.”

Hours: Thurs.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. + by appt Information: 518.697.5130; http://www.conceptohudson.com

Curatorium

60 S. Front St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through February 7: “Recovered: Everything and Nothing - the remaining work of...Barbara White”; “William Clements: Peopled,” 247 drive-by, site specific installation; “The Second Storey: Dancing with the Muse,” curated by Jocz and Clements. A pop-up installation with R. Godfrey. Hours: Sat., 1-5 p.m. and by appointment Information: 212.537.6029; http://www.curatoriumhudson.org continued on page 20 g

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015 continued from page 19 i

Page 20

621 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through February 5: “Color, Shape & Form II,” featuring work by Robert Cronin, James Vanderberg, Jason Karolak, Lizzie Scott and Doug Chow. Hours: Thurs.-Mon., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Information: 518.828.1677; info@grisnewyork.com; http://www.hudsonantiques.net/wideboard/galerie-gris/

Year’ round: Outdoor sculpture park on more than 120 acres of rolling farmland, wetlands and wooded areas. The Park presents the work of internationally-recognized contemporary and modern artists, offering the unique possibility to experience a wide range of large-scale works in a singular outdoor environment.

Park Hours: Visitors Center, daily, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., through March; Fields Sculpture Park and Architecture Omi, dawn to dusk 7 days a week Information: 518.392.4747; http://www.omiartscenter.org

Hudson Opera House

Retrospective

Galerie Gris

327 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through February 15: “CCCA 18th Annual Juried Art Show” celebrates the diversity and quality of the work being produced by Columbia County and regional artists. Curated by Jack Shear, Director of the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation and renowned photographer.

February 21-March 29: “Bruno Pasquier-Desvignes” exhibition curated

by R.O. Blechman. “When Merchant-Ivory asked Bruno to create Picasso-like drawings for their film, Surviving Picasso, little did they guess that they would get Picasso-Plus drawings. And when I visited Bruno’s studio recently and saw his little metal sculptures, little did I guess that I would be looking at several Calder-Plus sculptures. But Bruno is an artist sui generis, and one who deserves an exhibition. I’m delighted that the Hudson Opera House will be giving him one.” ~ R. O. Blechman Opening Reception: Saturday, February 21, 5-7 p.m.

Hours: Mon.-Sun., noon-5 p.m.

Information: 518.822.1438; http://www.hudsonoperahouse.org

Jeff Bailey Gallery

127 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 January 24-March 8: “The Musical Box,” an exhibition featuring two pairings of artists: Cary Smith and John Newman; and Evie Falci and Robert Otto Epstein. Reception: Saturday, January 24, 6-8 p.m.

Hours: Fri.-Sun., noon-6 p.m. + by appt.

Information: 518.828.6680; http://baileygallery.com

John Davis Gallery

362 ½ Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through February 1: Solo exhibition of paintings by McWillie Chambers.

February 7-March 1: Solo exhibition of work by Thomas Micchelli.

This show presents two bodies of work: Bacchantes, an ongoing series of paintings and drawings, and a set of two-part drawings called Bivalves.

Reception: Saturday, February 7, 6-8 p.m.

Hours: Thurs.-Mon., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appt.

Information: 518.828.5907; http://johndavisgallery.com

Limner Gallery

123 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 January 29-February 21: “Small Works.”

Information: 518.828.2343; http://slowart.com

Omi International Arts Center

Fields Sculpture Park & Architecture Omi, 1405 County Route 22, Ghent, NY 12075 Through March 15, Charles B. Benenson Gallery: “Mirage Garden,” a gallery exhibition of studies and 3D models by Easton + Combs, the exhibition is a precursor to an architectural project formed as a reflective ribbon wall coursing through the landscape, created from vacuum-formed black polycarbonate using 3D printing technologies.

EASTON+COMBS is an award winning, internationally recognized architectural office.

727 & 711 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 @711 Warren St., through March 1: “Space Machine,” new works

by Guillaume Gelot. For this exhibition Gelot expands on a series of grid paintings that explicitly explore units of measurement as content. These black grids self referentially co-opt information systems as composition, that are at once specific yet universal, speaking to painting’s indebtedness to wall space while satirically attempting to mediate the void. @727 Warren St., through March 1: “Badaude: Industry, Too,” new work by Keith J. Varadi.

Opening Receptions for both shows: Saturday, January 24, 6-8 p.m.

Hours: Sat. & Sun., noon-6 p.m. Information: 518.828.2288; http://www.retrospectivegallery.com

Thompson Giroux Gallery

57 Main St., Chatham, NY 12037 Through March 22: “Rafter,” new large works by Columbia County artist John Cleater.

Hours: Thurs.-Mon., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Information: 518.392.3336; http://www.thompsongirouxgallery.com

Valley Variety

705 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Through February 1: “Warren Street, a solo exhibition of oil paintings

by Ken Young capturinglife along the main commercial corridor of Hudson, NY. Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Information: 518.828.0033; http://www.valleyvariety.com

Greene GCCA Catkill Gallery

398 Main St., Catskill, NY 12414 Through February 28: “Extreme Surfaces: Group Exhibition.” The show will explore the idea of surface from all angles: the buildup of paint on the surface of a canvas; earth, geology, plate tectonics and the destruction of such surfaces; the psychological aspects of ourselves; societal and cultural obsessions with all things surface - of youth, beauty, newness and now-ness.

Through February 28: “Action/Reaction,” solo show of works by Anne Christman. Christman’s paintings are reminiscent of geological surfaces: burnished geodes, fool’s gold or flecks of mica in granite. She layers her canvas with paper, glitter, acrylic and oil paints, charcoal powder, and Galkyd to create an illusion of space with transparent and reflective surfaces.

Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., noon-5 p.m.

Information: 518.943.3400; http://www.greenearts.org

Kaaterskill Fine Arts Gallery

Hunter Village Square, 7950 Main St., Village of Hunter, NY 12442 Ongoing: “New Works by Ceramic Artists Susan Beecher and Susan Bogen,” current works by nationally-recognized ceramic artists.

Hours: Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Information: 518.263.2063; http://www.catskillmtn.org

Page 21

Columbia-Greene Media

Al b an y Albany Center Gallery

39 Columbia St., Albany, NY 12207 February 6-March 6: “Take Shape,” featuring Amanda Michael Harris, Sara Pruiksma, Terry Slade and Wendy Ide Williams. This exhibit focuses on pattern, texture, color and movement.

Reception: Friday, February 6, 5-8 p.m.

Information: 518.462.4775; http://albanycentergallery.org

Columbia County Photography Club

Hudson Area Library, 400 State St., Hudson, NY 12534 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month, 6-8 p.m.: Photographers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join. Share tips and techniques and support one another in photographic endeavors.

Information: 518.828.5887; http://hudsonarealibrary.org; abit@mhcable.com

Albany Institute of History & Art

125 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210 Through March 8: “Undercover: Revealing Design in Quilts, Coverlets, and Bed Hangings.”

Ongoing: “The Hudson River School and the Nineteenth-Century Landscape,” includes paintings by Thomas Cole, Frederic Edwin Church, James and William Hart, Alfred Thompson Bricher, and others.

Ongoing: “Robert Hewson Pruyn: An Albanian in Japan, 1862-1865.”

Ongoing: “A Gather of Glass: Selections from the Museum’s Collection.”

Ongoing: “19th-Century American Sculpture: Erastus Dow Palmer and his Proteges Launt Thompson, Charles Calverley, and Richard Park.”

Ongoing: “Traders and Culture: Colonial Albany and the Formation of American Identity.”

Tickets: $10; $8 seniors & students: $6 kids 6-12; under 6, free Information: 518.463.4478; http://www.albanyinstitute.org

New York State Museum

222 Madison Ave., Albany, NY 12207 Through March 22, West Gallery: “Along his own Lines: A Retrospective of New York Realist Eugene Speicher.”

Through September 20, Crossroads Gallery: “Represent: Contemporary Native American Art.” Recent acquisitions to the New York State Museum’s Contemporary Native American Art Collection from the Mohawk, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, Tuscarora, and Shinnecock Nations include beadwork, basketry, painting, sculpture, and ceramics. Together, they weave an inspiring story of adaptation, resiliency, community, and investment in the future.

Ongoing, New York Metropolis Hall: “Art for the People: Decorated Stoneware from the Weitsman Collection,” featuring 40 uniquely decorated stoneware vessels, including jugs, crocks, pitchers, jars and water coolers. Hours: Tues.-Sun., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Information: 518.474.5877; http://nysm.nysed.gov

Sorelle Gallery

Stuyvesant Plaza, 1475 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203 February 6-March 4: “Abroad: The European Experience,” Sorelle Gallery’s artists bring to life their explorations and adventures from around Europe through this collaborative exhibition. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.

Information: 518.482.2000; http://sorellegallery.com

Wo r k s h ops & Special Events Life Drawing with Model

Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Feb. 1-March 8: Artists work at their own pace, instruction is not provided. Info: http://hudsonoperahouse.org

Interventions II

‘Interventions II,’ installation shot, courtesy Isidro Blasco.

257 State Street, Hudson, NY 12534 Fri.-Sun., Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.: Omi International Arts Center is excited to announce an independently organized project being done in Hudson with seven Art Omi alumni entitled INTERVENTIONS II. The exhibition is organized by 2001 Art Omi alumni Isidro Blasco, an award-winning artist whose works are in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Tweed Museum of Art, and the Chicago Institute of Contemporary Art, among others. Having purchased a home in Hudson last November with his wife, Blasco has invited artists to apply their ideas to the structure before he begins a renovation that will allow himself and his wife to reside there full-time. Without explicitly telling them what to do, he has selected the artists based on what he can see of the potential in the work they make and his curiosity about how their existing processes will fit into a new context.

As such, INTERVENTIONS II will investigate how the architectural elements of a house might turn out differently from what is generally accepted as normal. Participating artists include: Beth Campbell, Clare Churchouse, Andrew duPont, Max Goldfarb, Laetitia Hussain, Mala Iqbal, Laura King, Tom Kotik, Jaime Munarriz, Iván Navarro, Ruby Palmer, Karina Skvirsky, Grace Sullivan, Dannielle Tegeder.

Information: http://www.omiartscenter.org

Arm Knitting Class with Artist Chris Sanders

RiverWinds Gallery, 172 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, January 31, 10 a.m.-noon: Learn the basics of arm knitting and complete your own super-soft, chunky cowl during the class! This is ideal for beginners -- all you need to get started are two to three skeins of at least 110 yards each in chunky weight (and your arms!).

RiverWinds Gallery sells gorgeous hand-dyed yarn by artist Kelly Newkirk. So bring your own yarn, or pick out some when you come.

A 20% discount on yarn will be given to all attendees who purchase yarn the day for the class. Reservations required; space is limited.

Fee: $20 Information: 845.838.2880; info@riverwindsgallery.com continued on page 22 g

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015 continued from page 21 i

Deep Air Art Series: Human Ecologies/Changing Landscapes

Olana Wagon House Education Ctr., 5720 Rte. 9G, Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, February 7, 3-5 p.m.: This is the first of several events designed to use the Wagon House space and grounds of Olana to highlight artistic practices and conversations about ecology, local geography and landscape. The title of the series plays on the language of a book owned by Frederic Church, titled A Fairy Land of Science,

by Arabella B. Buckley and published in 1882. Buckley’s text, written as popular natural and life science for all ages, invites us to imagine a view of earth looking down through space, through the “deep air.” It invites us to imagine ourselves as “deep air creatures” living within, and without, this air. Jumping off from this text into the precarious 21st century, we find many regional artists working within their respective media to consider earth’s dynamic ecology from critical vantage points.

In this series, visual artists are paired with poets who both create work that at once reflect, reject and/or extend themes explored directly by Frederic Church and his contemporaries. Tanya Marcuse is a visual artist who will discuss her new series of large-scale photographs, Fallen, where she imagines the Garden of Eden after the Fall. Marcuse creates lavish tableaux perched between the plausible and implausible and between the painterly and the photographic. She is joined by poet Peter Lamborn Wilson who will read from his new book, The River People, which has been called a “philosophical tour-de-force of local history” which he conducted to commemorate the Hudson Valley and to “reenchant these landscapes.” This event is curated by artist and poet, Lee Gough. Each artist will present for about 20 minutes, followed Q&A, conversation, tea and cake. Snow date, Sunday, Feb. 8, 3-5 p.m.

Tickets: $5 Information: http://www.olana.org

100 for 100 Annual Fundraiser

Locust Grove, Route 9, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Sunday, February 8, 4-6 p.m.: Barrett Art Center’s annual fundraiser features 100 pieces of art created by local artists and available for acquisition for $100. By purchasing a ticket for $100, participants have the opportunity to choose a work of art when their ticket number is drawn at random. The event begins with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception. All of the art is donated by artist members and supporters of the Barrett ARt Center, ranging from established to emerging artists.

Information: http://barrettartcenter.org

Second Saturday Beacon

Main St., Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, February 14, noon-9 p.m.: A city-wide celebration of the arts held on the second Saturday of every month when galleries and shops stay open until 9 p.m. Enjoy gallery openings, music, and special offerings.

Information: http://beaconarts.org

Gallery Talks at Dia:Beacon

3 Beekman St., Beacon, NY 12508 Saturday, February 14, 2 p.m.: Prem Krishnamurthy on On Kawara.

Tickets: Free with museum admission Information: http://diaart.org/sites/main/beacon

Sunday Salon: Thomas Nozkowski, Artist

Thomas Cole Historic Site, 218 Spring St., Catskill, NY 12414 Sunday, February 15, 2 p.m.: The Thomas Cole National Historic Site has been presenting its annual Sunday Salon series for 10 years, bringing today’s most creative thinkers to the home of Thomas Cole for wine, cheese, and lively conversations on topics relating to the Hudson

Page 22

River School of Art. For this month’s Salon, Hudson Valley-based artist Thomas Nozkowski, known for richly colored and improvisational abstract paintings, this Hudson Valley based artist paints from personal experience and like Thomas Cole, draws inspiration from walks in the woods. Nozkowski has had 70 one-person shows and his work is in the permanent collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Hirshhorn Museum, the Phillips Collection, the Morgan Library, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art among many others. The artist is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the National Academy of Design and is a Guggenheim Fellow. He is Professor of Fine Art at the Mason Gross School of the Arts of Rutgers University. Tickets: $9; $7 members Information: http://www.thomascole.org/current-events

Still from the film ‘Through the Gift Shop,’ Banksy in his studio.

Film Screening: Exit Through the Gift Shop

Columbia Space on Main, 84 Main St., Philmont, NY Friday, February 20, 7 p.m.: This is the inside story of Street Art - a brutal and revealing account of what happens when fame, money and vandalism collide. Exit Through the Gift Shop follows an eccentric shopkeeper turned amateur film-maker as he attempts to capture many of the world’s most infamous vandals on camera, only to have a British stencil artist named Banksy turn the camcorder back on its owner with wildly unexpected results.

Information: http://www.freecolumbia.org

Fathom Events: Exhibition 2015 Rembrandt: From the National Gallery, London & Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

The Millerton Moviehouse, Main Street, Millerton, NY 12546 Tuesday, February 24, 7 p.m.: Fathom Events present the 2015 Exhibition OnScreen Series – A series of five cinema events showcasing the world’s greatest art collections and blockbuster exhibitions. Exhibition OnScreen offers audiences around the world a private, guided tour of these exhibitions and the opportunity to immerse themselves in art in vibrant HD. In addition to the actual exhibitions they include interviews with art experts, behind the scene access, collaborations with other artists (such as the dance and music segments in the Matisse film) and biographical features.Every Rembrandt exhibition is eagerly anticipated, but this major new show, focused on the final years of his life and hosted

by London’s National Gallery, and Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, is the biggest in many years. Given exclusive and privileged access by both galleries, the film documents this extraordinary show and interweaves Rembrandt’s life story with behind the scenes preparations at both institutions. Not to be missed. Tickets: $15 Information: http://themoviehouse.net

Page 23

Columbia-Greene Media

Music Box Productions Herbert M. Blasewitz

asio c c O l l or A M u s ic f days h t r i B • W e d d i n g sv e r s a r i e s Anni vices r e S e k o a DJ & Kar rofessional Live P ailable Band Av

ns

(518) 945-2789

SHOW YOUR PRIDE WITH AMERICAN-MADE 990 In every chapter of New Balance®’s history, you’ll see our commitment to the U.S. economy through creating American manufacturing jobs, using American suppliers and providing excellent customer service in our local stores. For over 75 years we’ve been producing high-quality shoes in the United States, like the timeless 990, made domestically by some of our 1,300 U.S. workers. You can find the 990 along with premium footwear and apparel at your independently owned New Balance store, a proud provider of expert service and jobs in your local community. ©2014 New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.

musicman@mhcable.com

MusicBoxProductionsDJ.com

77 PARTITION STREET SAUGERTIES, NY, 12477

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015

Page 24

soundsof theseason

Pianist Dan Tepfer performs at the Hudson Opera House on Saturday, February 14. Photo by Jeremy Sailing.

Walking Distance Album Release

Millbrook Free Library, 3 Friendly Lane, Millbrook, NY 12545 Saturday, January 31, 5-7 p.m.: Catch the NYC-based jazz collective Walking Distance at the Millbrook Free Library for an exclusive upstate album release and performance of their debut record, Neighborhood.

Walking Distance is the New York collective of Caleb Curtis (alto saxophone), Kenny Pexton (tenor saxophone), Adam Coté (double bass) and Shawn Baltazor (drums).

Information: 845.677.5127; http://millbrooklibrary.org

Robert Cray Band

Bardavon Opera House, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Saturday, January 31, 8 p.m.: A five-time Grammy winner (and 15-time nominee) Robert Cray is one of the greatest guitarists of our time. The New Yorker hails Cray and his band as “one of the most reliable pleasures of soul and blues for over three decades“. Having written or performed with everyone from Eric Clapton to Bonnie Raitt to John Lee Hooker, Cray is a member of The Blues Hall of Fame and recognized as one of his generation’s great musical storytellers—and an incomparable guitar master. Tickets: $45-$65 Information: 845.473.2072; http://www.bardavon.org

American Symphony Orchestra: Concert II

Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College, Sosnoff Theater, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Fri. & Sat., Feb. 6 & 7, 8 p.m.: ASO, conducted by Leon Botstein, presents works by Carl Reinecke, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Tickets: $25-$40 Information: 845.758.7900; http://fishercenter.bard.edu

Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra: An Evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein Classics

Marriott Pavilion, Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY 12538 Fri. & Sat., Feb. 6 & 7, 8 p.m.: The Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra brings back beloved melodies from the musicals of these two Broadway greats as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Arts MidHudson. Guest vocalists Jeremy Moore, Marie Masters, Anthony Webb and Emily Geller will join the orchestra to sing melodies from Oklahoma, South Pacific, Carousel, The King and I and The Sound of Music.

Tickets: $20; $15 seniors; $5 students Information: 845.635.0877; http://www.ndsorchestra.org

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Bardavon, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Sunday, February 8, 3 p.m.: For over 50 years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has warmed the hearts of audiences with their uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves, charming onstage banter, and those white tennis shoes. Most recently, the multiple Grammy Award winning South African a cappella group celebrated the 25th anniversary of their groundbreaking collaboration with Paul Simon on his seminal album, Graceland. Tickets: $40; $50 Golden Circle; $35 members Information: http://www.bardavon.org

Michael Franti

The Egg, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12220 Tuesday, February 10, 8 p.m.: Michael will perform his acoustic “One Heart One Soul” show. With the multi-platinum success of his song “Say Hey (I Love You)” and the chart breaking 2010 release of “The Sound Of Sunshine,” Franti and his band guarantee a show that will be

Page 25

Columbia-Greene Media

thought provoking as well as a fun dance party! Franti has a brand new single, “I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like)” hitting radio now leading into his brand new album this summer. Tickets: $31-$41 Information: 518.473.1061; http://www.theegg.org

Sean Gaskell

Athens Cultural Center, 24 Second St., Athens, NY 12015 Friday, February 13, 7 p.m.: The concert will feature soloist Sean Gaskell playing traditional songs on the Kora, a 21 string harp that he learned how to play throughout the course of multiple visits to its homeland in Gambia, West Africa. Gaskell has studied extensively under the instruction of Malamini Jobarteh and Moriba Kuyateh, both of Brikama, Gambia. He was first inspired to play by Kane Mathis, a Kora player formerly based in Seattle who has led The Kora Band and The Sahel Band. Gaskell relocated from Seattle to Asheville, North Carolina in 2014. He has been featured at a number of music festivals in the US, Gambia, and Senegal. A review by Tom Surowicz in the Minneapolis Star Tribune stated, “Need more proof that music is the greatest international language? Listen to how eloquently Sean Gaskell, a young fella from the grunge and coffee mecca of Seattle, plays the 21-string West African Kora, a gourd-bottomed harp that delivers both acres of melody and gently rippling rhythms.”

Tickets: $10; $8 students and seniors Information: 518.945.3547; http://www.athensculturalcenter.org

Bard Preparatory Division Faculty Recital

Bard College Bito Conservatory Building, 61 Blithewood Ave., Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Saturday, February 14, 4-6 p.m.: Bard Preparatory Division Faculty violinist Brian Krinke and pianist Anna Vinnitsky perform a recital of works for violin and piano entitled, “Opera: Fantasy and Visions.” The program includes works inspired by opera: “Magic Flute Fantasy” by Mozart/Sarasate; “Five Fathoms Deep” from The Tempest by Thomas Ades; “Carmen Fantasy” by Jeno Hubay; selections from The Three Penny Opera by Weill/Frenkel; and two world premiere performances of works

by Daniel Zlatkin and Paris Lavidis. Tickets: Free and open to the public Information: bardprep@bard.edu

Dan Tepfer’s Goldberg Variations/Variations

Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, February 14, 7 p.m.:Dan Tepfer is a New York-based pianist and composer and one of the most formidable jazz musicians on the international stage. With his solo project Goldberg Variations/ Variations, Tepfer approaches J.S. Bach’s masterpiece with his own improvisations on this totemic work.

Tickets: $35, includes post-performance reception with the artist.

Proceeds benefit Classics on Hudson.

Information: http://hudsonoperahouse.org

So Percussion and Grey McMurray

Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College, LUMA Theater, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504 Sat., Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 15, 3 p.m.: This “ambitious, beguiling show” (New York Times) blends music, video, and storytelling in a theatrical creation that reflects on notions of community and home.

Featuring guitarist Grey McMurray and choreographer Emily Johnson, the production is directed by Ain Gordon and presented as part of Branches, Sō Percussion’s residency at Bard. Tickets: $25; $10 students Information: 845.758.7900; http://fishercenter.bard.edu

The Horszowski Trio

Church of the Messiah, 6436 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sunday, February 15, 3 p.m.: From The Washington Post, “...They are three fine instrumentalists who listen and interact at a high level. The performance had a number of carefully prepared nuances...”

Tickets: $25; $5 students (under 23, with student I.D.) Information: http://rhinebeckmusic.org

Wanderlust

Christ Church Episcopal, Courthouse Square and Union St., Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, February 21, 5 p.m.: Join Diamond Opera Theater for Wanderlust, songs of love, longing and travel, with Mary Deyerle Hack, mezzo-soprano, and Martin Mansfield, baritone, accompanied by pianist Noah Palmer. Reception with the artists follows performance.

Tickets: $10 suggested donation Information: http://hudsonoperahouse.org

Umphrey’s McGee

Palace Performing Arts Center, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany, NY 12207 Saturday, February 21, 8 p.m.: After 16 years of performing over 100 concerts annually, releasing seven studio albums and selling more than 3.3 million tracks online, Umphrey’s McGee might be forgiven if they chose to rest on their laurels and attend to their lives as husbands and fathers. But you’d be wrong. With their eighth studio album, Similar Skin, and first for their own indie label, Nothing Too Fancy (N2F) Music (distributed by RED), the group - which formed on the Notre Dame campus outside of South Bend, Indiana in 1997 - has something to prove. And that’s not just to their ever-loyal fan base, but to those who have never heard a note, or worse - dismiss them as “too sophisticated, too complex” or think they know what Umphrey’s McGee is all about.

Tickets: $25 advance; $30 day of show Information: 518.465.3334; http://palacealbany.com

Mavis Staples

Club Helsinki Hudson, 405 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Sunday, February 22, 8 p.m.: On their second collaboration, legendary singer Mavis Staples and Wilco leader Jeff Tweedy have crafted a gospel album for the 21st century, a music that strives for faith in a world where nothing can be taken for granted. On One True Vine, Mavis Staples gives voice to something new in her repertoire, something deeper and more resonant with our times; longtime fans will notice a new reserve in her singing, a muted, plaintive quality that serves the darker, more nuanced songs collected here perfectly.

Tickets: $85 reserved; $55 general admission; 21 & over only Information: 518.828.4800; http://helsinkihudson.com

Jubliee Riots

The Egg, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12220 Saturday, February 28, 8 p.m.: Jubilee Riots – the group formerly known as Enter the Haggis –an eclectic band with bagpipes, fiddle, whistle, harmonica, trumpet and a roots rock rhythm section – return with both the new name and a new album – Penny Black – with songs inspired by fan letters the band has received over the years. Tickets: $28 Information: 518.473.1061; http://www.theegg.org

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015

Page 26

Remember Your Valentine!

Hair Cutting • Up-sweeps • Coloring Mani / Pedi • Make-up • Massage • Tanning GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

SALON

255

LTD.

Full SerVICE SALON

Hair Care Products Featuring Hair Care Products

Tues - Fri 9am-6pm • Sat. 9am-2pm

255 Mansion Street • Coxsackie, New York

518.731.2559

www.salon255.com

sewingroomsworkshop.com

Page 27

Columbia-Greene Media

Overtaxed and Underserved? Give us a call.

Kevin J. Zulch President

Jennifer R. Neese Vice President

Zulch, Inc., 8 Prince Street, Red Hook, NY 12571 | T: 845.758.0096 – Ext. 303 F: 845.758.1297 | kzulch@zulchtax.com • www.zulchtax.com

Excellent Client Service & Trust Since 1983 hudson valley

Mercantile m a r c h | 2 0 1 5

Family Owned and Operated Since 1917 24 Hour Phone:

845-758-5800

Alternate Daytime Number: 845-876-4222

· Full Service Auto Repair · 24 Hour Towing

The

cabin fever issue

Bring in this ad for 10% off

TRIEBEL’S GARAGE, INC. 7317 South Broadway · Red Hook · NY

PUBLICATION DATE: FEB. 20 | ADV. DEADLINE: FEB. 16

2681 W. Main Street Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

B&K Electric ctr tri triic ic lec le ectr 189 County Rt. 19 • Livingston, NY 12541 Phone: 518-851-7666 • Bob Moore - Owner RQM723@aol.com

February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 at 8pm February 15 at 2pm Adults: $17.00 Seniors/Children under 12: $14.00

�����������������������

Home Generator Systems Take charge BEFORE the Power Goes Out.

ORDER NOW and Save 5% on Spring and Summer Deliveries

Portables In-Stock too!

Power MORE for LESS Authorized Dealer & Installer

Serving the Area Since 1972 *Financing Available

Written by Marc Camoletti Directed by Kevin Barnes �������������������������� ���������������������

www.countyplayers.org Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015

Page 28

readings, signings & screenings

Detail of an untitled photograph by Lyle Ashton Harris in collaboration with Thomas Allen Harris, as seen in ‘Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People,’ a film by Thomas Allen Harris screening at the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie on February 20.

Writer’s Workshop

Tivoli Free Library, 86 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583 Wednesday, January 28, 5:30 p.m.: Informal, friendly writer’s workshop. Bring whatever you are working on - whether it be poetry, a short story, a novel, nonfiction or even just an idea! Hone your craft in a supportive, creative environment for writers of all abilities and experience. Free and open to the public. No registration necessary.

Information: 845.757.3771; http://www.tivolilibrary.org

2015 Oscar Shorts: Animation

Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Fri., Jan. 30, 6 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 31, 7:45 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 1, 3 p.m.: Shorts International has announced that it will bring the Oscar®-nominated short films in the Live Action and Animation categories to U.S. theatres on January 30, 2015, giving audiences around the country an opportunity to see the nominated films prior to the 87th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 22. Running times are estimated and are subject to change. Tickets: $8; $6 members Information: 518.822.8448; http://timeandspace.org

2015 Oscar Shorts: Live Action

Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Fri., Jan 30, 8:15 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 31, 5:30 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 1, 12:30 p.m.: See previous listing for details. Tickets: $8; $6 students & members Information: 518.822.8448; http://timeandspace.org

Met Opera Live in HD: Les Contes d’Hoffmann

Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Sat., Jan. 31 & Feb. 7, 12:55 p.m.: The magnetic tenor Vittorio Grigolo takes on the tortured poet and unwitting adventurer of the title of Offenbach’s operatic masterpiece, in the Met’s wild, kaleidoscopic production. Tickets: $25; $15 students Information: 518.822.8448; http://timeandspace.org

Salisbury Forum: Kids for Cash

The Millerton Moviehouse, Main Street, Millerton, NY 12546 Sunday, February 1, 11:15 a.m.: A riveting look behind the notorious scandal that rocked the nation when it first came to light in 2009.

Beginning in the wake of the shootings at Columbine, a small town in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania elected a charismatic judge who was hellbent on keeping kids in line. Under his reign, over 3,000 children were ripped from their families and imprisoned for years for crimes as petty as creating a fake MySpace page. When one parent dared to question this harsh brand of justice, it was revealed that the judge had received millions of dollars in payments from the privately-owned juvenile detention centers where the kids—most of them only in their early teens—were incarcerated. Tickets: Free Information: http://themoviehouse.net

Peter Carey: Australian Novelist

University at Albany SUNY Uptown Campus, Lecture Center 20, Academic Posium, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12222 Tuesday, February 3, 8 p.m.: Peter Carey is one of only three writers to receive the prestigious Man Booker Prize twice -- his first for Oscar and Lucinda (1988), the basis of the 1997 Cate Blanchett/Ralph Fiennes film, and his second for True History of the Kelly Gang (2000). His new novel is Amnesia (2015), a cyber-terrorism political thriller set in his native Australia. The Guardian describes it as “fantastical but completely grounded...a deeply engaging book that responds to some of the biggest issues of our time.”

Information: http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst

The Wonder of Air Writing Workshop

Athens Cultural Center, 24 Second St., Athens, NY 12015 Tuesdays, February 3, 10, 24 and March 3, 6-8 p.m.: Earth, air, fire (or light) and water are the four classic elements ancients believed make up the physical world. All four are great stimuli for writing.

Page 29

Columbia-Greene Media

During this workshop you will have the opportunity to grow in observation of inner and outer worlds in a setting near the Hudson River, as you further explore writing through some tried and true methods such as imagery reflections, dialogue games, free-writes, and some notes on the writing craft. Writing sessions will be facilitated by Jeanne Heiberg MFA, published author/artist, and seasoned workshop provider. Pens, pencils and paper are all you need. This event is funded in part by Poets and Writers Inc. with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts.

Information: 518.945.3547; http://www.athensculturalcenter.org

Cocktails with a Literary Twist

Cafe Le Perche, 230 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Thursday, February 5, 6-8 p.m.: Evening with actor and author Tim Federle. A portion of book and cocktail sales to benefit the Hudson Area Library building campaign. A limited selection of dinner entrees will be made available to library patrons at the conclusion of this event.

Dinner reservations required.

Information: 518.822.1850; http://hudsonarealibrary.org

Tournées French Film Festival

Vassar College, Rosenwald Theater, Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 February 6, 7, 13, 20, and 27, 6:30 p.m.: The Tournées French Film Festival brings recent French and francophone cinema to American college campuses. This year, Vassar College’s festival theme is “Love in the 21st Century,” which highlights the many forms of love these films explore, and will include such well-known films as Amour, the 2013 Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film, and Blue is the Warmest Color, winner of the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film festival (2013). Faculty members from Vassar and neighboring colleges will introduce the films and lead post-screening discussions with the audiences. Schedule is as follows: 2/6, Polisse; 2/7, Declaration of War; 2/13, Amour; 2/20, Blue is the Warmest Color; 2/21, Mauvais Sang; 2/27, The Past. Tickets: Free and open to the public.

Information: http://vassar.edu

Black History Month Event: David Leeming James Baldwin: A Biography

Oblong Books, 6422 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, February 7, 7 p.m.: James Baldwin was one of the great writers of the last century. In works that have become part of the American canon - Go Tell It on a Mountain, Giovanni’s Room, Another Country, The Fire Next Time, and The Evidence of Things Not Seen - he explored issues of race and racism in America, class distinction, and sexual difference. A gay, African American writer who was born in Harlem, he found the freedom to express himself living in exile in Paris.

When he returned to America to cover the Civil Rights movement, he became an activist and controversial spokesman for the movement, writing books that became bestsellers and made him a celebrity, landing him on the cover of Time. In this biography David Leeming creates an intimate portrait of a complex, troubled, driven, and brilliant man.

Information: 845.876.0500; http://www.oblongbooks.com

Your Inner Fish: A Journey into the 3.5 Billion-Year History of the Human Body Vassar College, Taylor Hall, Room 203, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 Sundays, February 8, 15 and 22, 5 p.m.: Noted paleontologist Neil Shubin, renowned for his discovery of the so-called missing link between fish and land animals, is speaking at Vassar following

screenings of the PBS series based on his best-selling book, Your Inner Fish: A Journey into the 3.5 Billion-Year History of the Human Body.

The screenings of the three-part series Your Inner Fish will be held on three consecutive Sundays, giving a local audience a chance to become familiar with Shubin’s work prior to his lecture. Shubin will speak on Tuesday, March 3. Tickets: Free and open to the public.

Information: http://vassar.edu

Tales of the Majestic Hudson

Columbia-Greene Community College, Route 23, Hudson, NY 12534 Thursday, February 12, 7 p.m.: Rare and little known stories of the Hudson River Valley presented by Captain Stanley Wilcox. Tickets: free Information: 518.828.4181; http://sunycgcc.edu

The Age of Alice: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, and Nonsense in Victorian England

Vassar College Archives and Special Collections Library, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12604 February 12-mid June: Alice in Wonderland turns 150 this year.

To commemorate this anniversary and participate in worldwide celebrations of this book, the Vassar College Archives and Special Collections Library is launching an exhibition, The Age of Alice: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, and Nonsense in Victorian England.

Information: http://vassar.edu

MET Opera Live in HD Double Bill: Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta; Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle

The Millerton Moviehouse, Main Street, Millerton, NY 12546 Saturday, February 14, 12:55 p.m.: On the heels of her triumphant Met performances in Eugene Onegin, soprano Anna Netrebko takes on another Tchaikovsky heroine in the first opera of this intriguing double bill, consisting of an enchanting fairy tale (Iolanta) followed by an erotic psychological thriller (Duke Bluebeard’s Castle). Netrebko stars as the beautiful blind girl who experiences love for the first time in Iolanta, while Nadja Michael is the unwitting victim of the diabolical Bluebeard, played

by Mikhail Petrenko. Both operas are directed by Mariusz Trelinski, who was inspired by classic noir films of the 1940s. Iolanta also stars Piotr Beczala, and Valery Gergiev conducts both operas. Tickets: $25 Information: http://themoviehouse.net

Author Rita Foley: Revolutionary Retirement

Chatham Bookstore, 27 Main St., Chatham, NY 12037 Sunday, February 15, 2-4 p.m.: Canaan writer/photographer Rita Foley reads from her new book, “Revolutionary Retirement: What’s Next for YOU?” A conversation with Thomas Chulak from the bookstore and Q&A follows brief reading. Refreshments.

Information: 518.392.3005; http://chathambookstore.com

Through a Lens Darkly

Bardavon, 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Friday, February 20, 7 p.m.: Inspired by Deborah Willis’s book, Reflections in Black, this award winning documentary film casts a broad net that considers the difference between black photographers who use the camera to define themselves, their people, and their culture and some white photographers who, historically, have demeaned African-Americans through racist imagery. Tickets: $6 suggested donation Information: http://www.bardavon.org

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015

Page 30

take the kids

Horse drawn sleigh rides are just part of the fun at the annual Ice Harvest Festival on February 7, at the Hanford Mills Museum in East Meredith. Photo: Seth Finch and his team.

Photo by Kevin Q Gray.

Sledding Party

Clermont State Historic Site, One Clermont Ave. (off Rte. 9G), Germantown, NY 12526 Sunday, January 25, noon-3 p.m.: Supervised sledding (safety sleds only), bonfire, snowman contest, refreshments. Free admission, hot chocolate and treats for sale. “No snow” date is February 8th.

Information: 518.537.6622; http://www.friendsofclermont.org

World of Animals

Millbrook Free Library, 3 Friendly Lane, Millbrook, NY 12545 Wednesday, January 28, 6:30 p.m.: A variety of reptiles and birds will visit the Children’s Room with Bill Robinson’s Wildlife Lecture program. For ages 3 and up. Registration required.

Information: 845.677.3611; http://millbrooklibrary.org

Youth Prep Choir

Time and Space Limited, 434 Columbia St., Hudson, NY 12534 Thursdays, January 29-March 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: For 6 - 9 year olds. Through singing games and folk songs, children learn to sightread music, sing in parts and prepare their minds and voice for choral experiences. Registration required.

Fee: $10 music fee w/$50 suggested donation to TSL Information: shelly.ley@gmail.com; 505.401.8882

Hip Hop Dance

Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534 Tuesdays, Feb. 3-June 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (no class 2/17 and 4/7): Join in the ever-popular weekly hip hop dance workshop taught by Anthony

Molina in collaboration with Operation Unite. Open to ages 6 & up, no experience necessary. An emerging artist, Molina’s credits include 106 & Park, Bad Boys Comedy Show, he’s taken 1st place at the Apollo Theater, Senior Hip Hop Arnold Classic and Wildout Wednesday on BET. He was a semi-finalist on So You Think You Can Dance, Clara, and has performed with Vanaver Caravan and is a seasoned choreographer and dancer of Energy Dance Company of Kingston.

Information: http://hudsonoperahouse.org

SHORT TRIP: Ice Harvest Festival

Hanford Mills Museum, 51 County Hwy 12, East Meredith, NY 13757 Saturday, February 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Festival features interactive ice harvesting on the Mill Pond, ice sculpting, ice fishing and blacksmithing demos, children’s activities, horse-drawn sleigh rides, bonfires, and a hot soup buffet. Plus, local farmers and vendors, films showing ice harvests from the 1920s-1940s, cooking demos, snowman village and more! Tickets: $9; $7 seniors; 12 and under, free Information: 607.278.5744; http://hanfordmills.org

The Wizard of Oz Puppet Show

Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, February 7, 11 a.m.: Join The Puppet People as they follow the Yellow brick road to The Emerald City and bring a literary classic to life! See Dorothy, The Scarecrow, The Tinman and The Cowardly Lion learn about home, courage, heart and smarts! This puppet fantasy marionettes, shadow puppets, rod puppets, a large parade puppet and more! For ages 5 and up. Tickets: $7 kids; $9 adults Information: 845.876.3080; http://www.centerforperformingarts.org

Page 31

Columbia-Greene Media

Bird Call Identification

Columbia Land Conservancy Office, 49 Main St., Chatham, NY 12037 Sunday, February 8, 1 p.m.: Join CLC for a winter bird identification program with biologist, writer, and local farmer Will Yandik. Become better acquainted with our feathered friends as we get to know the behavior and songs of resident and visiting winter birds. If weather permits, the group will meet at one of CLC’s Conservation Areas, if not, then in CLC’s Chatham office.

Information: http://clctrust.org/events

Film: Pelican Dreams

Upstate Films, Route 9, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sunday, February 8, 1 p.m.: In a story of friendship, survival and the spirit of flight, filmmaker Judy Irving (The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill) follows a wayward, starving California brown pelican from her “arrest” on the Golden Gate Bridge into care at a wildlife rehabilitation facility, and from there explores pelicans’ nesting grounds, Pacific coast migration and survival challenges. Irving’s study of brown pelicans is affectionate, at times humorous and reveals a sense of wonder and awe at the birds’ simple beauty. Rated G. Information: http://upstatefilms.org/special-events

Spot Goes to the Farm

The Egg, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12220 Sunday, February 8, 3 p.m.: Theatre Terra of the Netherlands and the lovable pooch Spot takes the audience to the farm of his father Sam, where all the animals are lost. Spot and his friend Helen are going to need the help of the audience to find all the animals and bring them back to the farm.Tickets: $15; adults admitted free Information: 518.473.1061; http://www.theegg.org

World of Animals with Bill Robinson

Red Hook Firehouse, Firehouse Lane, Red Hook, NY 12571 Friday, February 13, 6:30 p.m.: Join biologist Bill Robinson for an educational presentation of “The Wide World of Animals.” This amazing lecture will leave you in awe of the creatures around us! Free and open to the public. Presented by the Red Hook Public Library.

Information: 845.758.3241; http://redhooklibrary.org

Star Party: Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association

Lake Taghkanic State Park, Ancram, NY 12502 Friday, February 13, 7:30 p.m.: Monthly stargazing event for the MidHudson Astronomical Association. Meet at the West Beach Parking Lot. Enjoy the night sky away from the bright lights of the towns and cities in our area! Bring your own telescopes and binoculars or use those provided by our members. Dress very warmly--estimate clothing for 20 degrees colder than the predicted temperature.

Information: 518.851.3631; http://www.meetup.com/mhastro

Predators of the Wild with Bill Robinson

Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, February 14, 11 a.m.: An exciting, interactive show that explains how birds of prey and reptiles have their own unique adaptations for survival. Learn the importance of birds and reptiles in the balance of nature, and how man has helped to restore endangered species such as the peregrine falcon. Live animals include birds of prey such as hawks, owls, vultures, and falcons as well as reptiles such as snakes and lizards. Tickets: $7 kids; $9 adults Information: 845.876.3080; http://www.centerforperformingarts.org

3-D Underwater Worlds: Art Making with Robin Brickman

Olana, Wagon House Ed. Ctr., 5720 Rte. 9G, Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, February 7, 3-5 p.m.: Spend President’s Day making art with Berkshire Region/and NYS BOCES endorsed artist Robin Brickman.

Ms. Brickman has been making 3D paper landscapes with youth for decades in addition to illustrating a number of award winning children’s books. This day long retreat for young people will start by reading a children’s book from the Church family library called Water Babies

by Richard Kingsley (1860s). Students will also study one painting made by Church that is an underwater scene. Then the artist will lead sketching and planning for creating an underwater world like that in the Kingsley story. Students will also take a hike around Olana’s lake, and snack on fish and gummy worms. Pre-registration is required by preceding Thursday. For ages 5-12. Tickets: $45 Information: http://www.olana.org

18th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count

Ooms Conservation Area, 480 Rock City Road, Chatham, NY 12037 Sunday, February 15, 9-11 a.m.: Join fellow birders, Columbia Land Conservancy staff, and guest expert Larry Federman of Audubon NY as we all become citizen scientists for the morning. We will identify and count birds at feeders, and collect data for a nation-wide survey.

Binoculars and bird guides provided, but bring your own if you have them. Hot tea and cocoa will be provided.

Information: http://clctrust.org/events

Pirate School: A Pirate’s Life for Me!

Center for Performing Arts, Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Saturday, February 21, 11 a.m.: Featured in New York Magazine’s “BEST OF NY: KIDS!” Come experience slapstick comedy, eccentric props, zany theatrical swordplay, adept magic, a mischievous water squirting cannon, and a furry puppet sidekick. Kids encouraged to dress like pirates! Ages 4 and up. Tickets: $7 kids; $9 adults Information: 845.876.3080; http://www.centerforperformingarts.org

Hudson Valley YA Society: Gayle Forman

Oblong Books, 6422 Montgomery St., Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Sunday, February 22, 4 p.m.: Gayle Forman is a Hudson Valley YA Society fan favorite. She’s an award-winning author and journalist whose articles have appeared in numerous publications, including Seventeen, Cosmopolitan and Elle. I Was Here is Forman at her finest, a taut, emotional, and ultimately redemptive story about redefining the meaning of family and finding a way to move forward even in the face of unspeakable loss.

Information: 845.876.0500; http://www.oblongbooks.com

Snowshoe Walk

Olana, 5720 Route 9G, Hudson, NY 12534 Saturday, February 28, 1-3 p.m.: Enjoy the beauty of winter along the scenic carriage drives at Olana State Historic Site. Break in your new snowshoes, or test out a pair of ours on a guided snowshoe walk led by environmental educator Fran Martino. Perfect for beginners and families. Participants will learn the basics of walking on snowshoes as we search for signs of animals that don’t go south in the winter. If there is a lack of snow, this will become a walk without snowshoes. The walk will take place from 1-2:30 p.m., followed by warm beverages in the Wagon House Education Center. Snowshoe supply is limited; please register by preceding Thursday. Snow date, March 1. Tickets: $10; $5 child Information: http://www.olana.org

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015

Page 32

RIVER

CHRONICLE "presented by"

www.riverchronicle.com • www.registerstar.com

Serving the Communities of Red Hook, Rhinebeck and Germantown

Grand Opening McDonald’s of Cairo ®

Route 23 and Route 32, Cairo, NY

Friday, January 23rd, 2015

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 10:00 a.m.

Saturday, February 7th

Saturday, February 7th, 2015

$1.99 Happy Meal® with the purchase of any Extra Value Meal®

Meet Ronald McDonald

®

from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Saturday, February 21st, 2015 Live Radio Remote from 12 - 2 p.m.

Grand Opening Drawing* at 1:30 p.m. *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 18 or older. See store for details.

DAILY GRAND OPENING SPECIALS JAN. 23RD-FEB. 21ST GRAND OPENING DRAWING*

Monday

Tuesday

$1.49

$1.49

McMuffin® Sandwich

Biscuit Sandwich

$1.49

$1.99

Wednesday

$1.49

McGriddles® Sandwich

Friday

Saturday

$1.79

$2.99

Thursday

$1.89

Bagel Sandwich

Hotcakes & Sausage

Big Breakfast®

Saturday, February 21st 1:30 p.m.

39’’ HDTV Blue Ray DVD Player 26” Boy’s Bike 26” Girl’s Bike (5) Winners of Dinner for a

6pc. Chicken McNuggets®

$4.99

Big Mac® 5-8 p.m.

Family of 4 every month for a year

49¢ Small Fries 59¢ Small Soft Drink 59¢ Hamburger 69¢ Cheeseburger 79¢ Small McCafé® Shake

(2 EVM & 2 Happy Meal BOG) ®

50’s

®

*No Purchase Necessary, Must be 18 or older to enter, See store for details.

Any Medium Extra Value Meal®

$1.99

$1.49

Filet-O-Fish®

$2.49

Triple Cheeseburger

$2.99

Any Happy Meal®

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER 50% Post-Consumer Content

®*

*Wgt. before cooking 4 oz. (113.4 grams)

EVERYDAY GRAND OPENING SPECIALS $1.00 Any Size McCafé® Fresh Brewed Arabica Bean Coffee

Quarter Pounder with Cheese

Limited Time Only

$5.00

20 pc. Chicken McNuggets® ©2015 McDonald’s

VOX 386031-1#1

Page 33

Columbia-Greene Media

5 AREA NAPA STORES READY TO SERVE YOU

Chatham

Hudson

Nassau

Valatie

New Lebanon

501 US RT 20 20 Church Street 9 Healy Boulevard 3541 U.S. Rt 20 2880 U.S. 9 518-828-3361 518-766-4886 518-758-9484 Midtown Mall suite 114 518-392-4150 518-794-8700 Ask us how to save on every purchase with a NAPA Know How Loyalty Card

Hudson Valley Mercantile February 2015

Page 34

����������� ����������� ���������� ���������� ��������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������� ���������������� ���������������� ������ ������ �������������������� �������������������� ��������� ��������� ���������� ���������� �������� �������� ��������� ��������� ���������������������� ������������ ������������������������� ������������������ ���������� ���������� ��������� ���������

��������������������� ���������������������

Greene County’s Premier Builder For Custom Homes For Over 20 years

518-731-7574 www.wolfebuildersny.com Wolfe Builders has maintained a reputation for quality construction and customer satisfaction in Greene and Albany Counties for over 20 years.

Come visit our model home located at 11779 Route 9W, West Coxsackie!

Page 35

Columbia-Greene Media

Lacy Ford R.C. Lacy Ford

www.rclacy.com www.rclacy.com