Nightlife Highlights, April 2011

by Peter Aaron, March 31, 2011

Drag City Audio Book Launch with Will Oldham
April 28. Besides telling the rocker’s own story, last month’s profile of Melissa Auf der Maur unveiled her involvement in the reopening of the city’s Basilica Industria building as a cutting-edge arts center. This kickoff also celebrates the launch of the Drag City record label’s new line of audio books with a live reading by singer-songwriter/actor Will Oldham (Palace Brothers, Bonnie “Prince” Billy) of Slow Fade, the latest from Hudson author/screenwriter Rudy Wurlitzer (Pat Garret and Billy the Kid, Two-Lane Blacktop). Oldham will be accompanied by musician Ben Chasny (Six Organs of Admittance), and a slide show of photographs by Lynn Davis tops it off. In your face, Brooklyn. (The first annual Ramp Fest, featuring food, live music, and more, happens April 30.) Donation suggested. 6pm. Hudson. www.basilicahudson.com.

Judy Collins
April 3. One of modern folk’s most beloved and instantly recognizable voices, Judy Collins started out as a musical interpreter; first, in the late 1950s, as a singer of traditional tunes, and then, from her 1964 album Judy Collins 3 & 4 onward, as a conduit for the songs of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, and even Broadway writers. As fine-voiced as ever, the Seattle-born chanteuse makes an afternoon visit to the Center for the Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. Guitarist David Temple stars in an updated staging of “Robin Hood” April 22 and 23.) 3pm. $125. Rhinebeck. (845) 876-3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org.

Manhattan String Quartet
April 3. The Ulster Chamber Series, now in its 43rd year, presents the much-demanded return of the Manhattan String Quartet. Hailed as “a national treasure” by the Boston Globe, the 41-year-old MSQ has made its name largely through its stunning performances of 20th-century masters; its bar-raising adaptations of Shostakovich’s cycle of 15 string quartets remain the standard to which subsequent chamber outfits aspire. Comprised of violinists Eric Lewis and Calvin Wiersma, violist John Dexter, and cellist Chris Finckel, the foursome regularly plays to sold-out audiences in Europe and Japan. The series holds forth in the Church of the Holy Cross, a setting as acoustically grand as befits this esteemed group’s music. 3pm. $20, $15. Kingston. (845) 340-9434;
www.ulsterchambermusicseries.org.

Mother Fletcher
April 8. Mother Fletcher is Hudson’s biggest local draw, and amusingly calls its music “Ameri-ska-na”: a quirky, high-hopping, danceable brew that, yes, takes ska as its jumping-off point, and adds rock, hip-hop, reggae, and gypsy folk. The band’s self-titled debut utilizes the standard guitar/bass/drums set-up but also sports fiddle, conga, horns, and harmonium, and was recorded at Catskill’s Old Soul Studios under the expert ears of Kenny Siegal (Johnny Society). Past performances have seen the group paired with local drag diva Musty Chiffon—perhaps she’ll grace us with a surprise appearance at this Club Helsinki date? Never rule anything out when it comes to these guys. (Spottiswoode and His Enemies return April 8; Club D’Elf with John Medeski groove in April 9.) 9pm. $12. Hudson. (518) 828-4800; www.helsinkihudson.com.

“A Night of Amazing Sounds”
April 16. In an out-of-the-ordinary move, the normally straight punk-oriented Valentine’s presents “A Night of Amazing Sounds,” a free jazz/experimental electronics program with the quartet of keyboardist Bob Gluck, guitarist James Keepnews, saxophonist Ras Moshe, and drummer Dean Sharp; Duojoggle, featuring saxophonist-guitarist Mitch Elrod and drummer Mike Lopez; and Hopson-Weston, starring Holland Hopson on sax and laptop and Matt Weston on percussion and electronics. Here’s hoping the venue has similar bills in store. (The Charlie Watts Riots and the Last Conspirators plot destruction April 1; the Downtown Fiction hits April 27.) 8pm. Call for ticket prices. Albany. (518) 432-6572; www.valentinesalbany.com.