As spring begins to bloom, notices about new events—several of them IRL and even outdoors—have been flowing into our newsroom.
Woodstock Land Conservancy Sponsors Film and Discussion | March 29
The Woodstock Land Conservancy’s ninth annual Film & Discussion Series focuses on local initiatives that aim to build community resilience in the face of urban food insecurity, housing insecurity, and unhealthy large- and small-scale agricultural practices. Titled “The Hudson Valley Farm Hub: Farmscape Ecology & Discussion,” the free series’ penultimate installment airs as a Zoom webinar on March 29 at 7pm (advance registration required). The program looks at how the Hudson Valley’s rich heritage of agriculture and biodiversity is threatened by climate change, development, and the loss of farms—and at how you can contribute to the goal of building a resilient food system for the community.
“Daze Gone By” Exhibit in Chatham | through April 18
Now through April 18 at Thompson Giroux Gallery in Chatham is “Daze Gone By,” a group show featuring the work of local artists Emma Heartquist, Ryan Wesley McPhail, and Scout. On view within the display are paintings, sculpture, multimedia, and pen and ink works. Showings are by private appointment, Thursdays through Mondays from 11am to 5pm. Call (518) 392-3336 to arrange a visit.
Lecture Looks into Grant’s Tomb | March 31
The Hudson River Maritime Museum’s “Follow the River” virtual lecture series continues on March 31 at 7pm with “Ulysses S. Grant’s Tomb: The Monument on the Hudson.” Sponsored by the Kingston museum and presented by Louis L. Picone, the award-winning author of Grant’s Tomb: The Epic Death of Ulysses S. Grant and the Making of an American Pantheon, the lecture chronicles the fascinating story of Grant’s Tomb, which was built in 1897 on the bank of the Hudson River and stood neglected until recently. The lecture is $5 with advance registration.
Bridge Music Returns to Hudson River | April 1
2021 marks the 12th anniversary of composer Joseph Bertolozzi’s Bridge Music, the suite of music that the Poughkeepsie percussionist recorded that utilizes the Mid-Hudson Bridge as an instrument. Starting on April 1, the public sound art installation returns for a new season at the site via the series of listening stations located on the pedestrian sidewalk of the bridge, at each of the mammoth structure’s towers. It will be open from dawn to dusk through October 31. (Park radios play Bridge Music year-round, 24/7 at 95.3-FM in Poughkeepsie’s Waryas Park and Highland’s Johnson-Iorio Park.)
LADAMA Spices Up Mass MoCA | April 3, 10, 17
Latin alternative band LADAMA lands at Mass MoCA this month for the North Adams, Massachusetts, art and performance center’s “Auditory After Hours” series. On April 3, 10, and 17 at 7pm, 7:30pm, and 8pm, the all-women, musical-activist ensemble, whose members are from Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and the US, will perform via closed audio podcast for timed-entry nighttime visitors to Mass MoCA’s massive galleries. Tickets are $30 for adults, $18 for kids aged 6 to 16, and $10 for museum members.
Hudson Valley Gospel Festival Presents Program | April 5
The Hudson Valley Gospel Festival committee’s third installment in its monthly presentations about the history of gospel music in the Hudson Valley will take place via Zoom on April 5 at 7pm. The event will feature a conversation with area choir director Ray Watkins and the fantastically named young singer Lyric Small about gospel music in the Hudson Valley. is Currently the local chairman of the Hudson Valley Gospel Festival, Watkins is a former member of the boards of directors of Arts Mid-Hudson and the Catharine Street Community Center and the recipient of Dutchess County’s Artivist Arts Award. RSVP to view this free event.
Auguste and Alden at Daryl’s House | April 2
Brother-and-sister duo Auguste and Alden, who play at Daryl’s House in Pawling on April 2 at 6pm, have been writing and performing their own music (their current catalog includes more than 70 original songs) for the past decade. The pair’s unique sound is full of intricate blood harmonies and creative musical arrangements, and the two siblings have toured nationally with their family’s band, honing their idiosyncratic sound along the way. The performance is free with a meal at the venue (limited seating), although advance reservations are required.
Hop Aboard the Easter Bunny Express | April 3
The Catskill Mountain Railroad will once again rev up its traditional Easter Bunny Express for family fun on April 3. Due to Covid-19, the railroad will be using its open-air flat cars, which will be festively decorated for the occasion (passengers should dress warmly). The passenger count will be limited to 60 riders, to allow for social distancing (the train will not be stopping during the outing, and riders must remain on board during the one-hour ride). Each passenger will receive an individual bag of candy and will be able to visit with the Easter Bunny before the train returns to its departure point at Kingston Plaza. Tickets are $20 for adults and $14 for children 2-12 (children under 2 ride for free on parent’s or guardian’s lap). See the Catskill Mountain Railroad website for ride schedule.
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This article appears in March 2021.
