As you warm up after last weekend’s crippling ice storm, check out these worthwhile events.
Hudson Jazz Festival Kicks Off | February 10-20
The Hudson Jazz Festival, which will return to Hudson Hall over two weekends, February 10-13 and 17-20, looks to remind audiences of jazz’s accessibility and its transformational power. Headlining are two Grammy nominees: gospel-soul-blues-jazz duo the Baylor Project (February 11) and singer Jazzmeia Horn (February 19). Also part of the festival is a screening of the 2009 documentary Let Freedom Sing: How Music Inspired the Civil Rights Movement, which will be preceded by a filmed performance of community members singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” led by singer-songwriter Anneice Cousin of local youth advocacy group Beautiful Racket and David Sytkowski. See website for performance schedule and ticket prices.
“Looking at Men” Art Exhibit in Montgomery |
through February 22
“Looking at Men,” a solo show of paintings by Richard Taddei, is on view through February 22 at Wallkill River Art School in Montgomery. The exhibit includes portraits and male nudes in oil, partially abstracted and influenced by both classical painting traditions as well as modern sensibilities. “Taddei creates a breathtaking contemplation of beauty, loss, and love,” says the gallery’s website about the display. Visit website for gallery hours and other information.
Dmitry Wild and the Spells in Catskill | February 11
Recent Hudson Valley transplant Dmitry Wild and his band the Spells will bring their magic to the Avalon Lounge in Catskill on February 11 at 8pm. Wild’s sound has been described as “vaudevillian psych rock,” so expect to be enchanted. Opening the evening will be Toxic Tito, “a powerful, no-frills New York City punk band led by Venezuelan-born Luis Accorsi, who came up in the ’80s scene playing CBGBs; they’ll play a mixture of originals and classics by the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, and more.” Tickets are $8.
Waxahatchee Plays Live in Tarrytown | February 11
Named for a creek in her native Alabama, Waxahatchee is the moniker of indie rocker Katie Crutchfield’s solo project, an enterprise that began after the breakup of P.S. Eliot, the pop punk band she co-led with her sister, Allison Crutchfield (the latter fronts the quartet Swearin’). Waxahatchee’s newest album, Saint Cloud, centers on the singer-songwriter’s 2018 decision to get sober. “I think all of my records are turbulent and emotional, but this one feels like it has a little dose of enlightenment,” she says. Waxahatchee will headline at Tarrytown Music Hall on February 11 at 8pm. this month. Madi Diaz will open. Tickets are $33-$38.
“Young Artists” in Katonah | through February 27
Now in its 39th year, “Young Artists,” at the Katonah Museum of Art through February 27, is an exhibit that features the work of local high school artists, who take part in all aspects of its curation, installation, and marketing efforts to produce the perennially favorite exhibition. The works range in scale, concept, media, and process, reflecting the diversity of expression in the region’s young artists. See website for museum hours and further information.
The Iron Giant Screens in Rosendale | February 12
On February 12 at 2pm, the Rosendale Theater will show the animated family favorite film The Iron Giant. “When a giant robot crash-lands near a small rural town, an unlikely friendship forms between the alien and a local 9-year-old boy,” reads the film’s synopsis. “The Iron Giant is the kind of age-agnostic film you’ll want to share with grandkids, your grown-up kids, as well as your grouchy neighbor. It’s a classic, feel-good story with a timeless message about the value of friendship, self-awareness, and the ability to change one’s destiny.” Tickets are $6 and $10.
Hudson Gallery Crawl Returns | February 12
The 2econd Saturday Hudson Gallery Crawl will come to the Columbia County seat on February 12 from 5pm to 8pm for another night of galleries, shops, and restaurants keeping their lights on and their doors open late. For the free event, openings and artists’ receptions will take place in over a dozen galleries around the town. Attendees can take advantage of the special offers available at restaurants, bars, and retail stores for that last-minute Valentine’s Day gift or warm food and beverages. See website for more information.
Animal Track Workshop in Tannersville | February 12
On February 12 at 10am at Mountain Top Arboretum in Tannersville, experienced tracker Josh Wood will lead a two-hour program and walk at the center’s grounds to explore habitats and find animal tracks and other clues about local wildlife. Attendees will be able to piece together stories from the information that they gather and gain insights into the animals’ lives. Beginners and experienced trackers alike are welcome. (Dress in more layers than you would for a regular hike and be sure to wear proper footwear; the outing will alternate between levels of moderate exertion and periods of standing still while discussing tracks). $10 donation requested.
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This article appears in February 2022.
