As of yesterday, summer is officially here. And this week’s run of local events is a perfect entry to local warm-weather jubilation.
Jack Shear Photos in Chatham | through June 27
Located on Main Street in the center of Chatham, the Thompson Giroux Gallery showcases talented artists working in a wide range of styles and media and supports artists who make compelling and inspiring art. Among the artists showing at the gallery this month is photographer Jack Shear, whose work will be on view through June 27. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11am to 5pm. Presently the management is limiting the number of people in the gallery at a time. No appointments are necessary.
Family Fun at Newburgh Carnival | through June 27
Open now through June 27, the Newburgh Mall Carnival is filled with fun for the whole family, with rides and games for all ages and your favorite fair food. Unlimited ride wristbands are $35 on site while supplies last and discounted online. On Saturdays, wristbands are valid until 6 pm and sold from noon to 4pm. After 6pm, rides will only accept tickets: $1.50 each, $30/20 tickets, or $60/50 tickets plus one free ride. (Rides take two or more tickets each.) Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older.
Mwenso and the Shakes Play Bard Summer Series | June 24
Dynamic New York band Mwenso and the Shakes will stir things up outdoors at Montgomery Place in Annandale-on-Hudson on June 24 at 6:30pm for Bard College’s new Black Roots Summer Series. The nine-piece outfit has been described as a unique troupe of global artists who channel jazz, funk, blues, and African music into “intense, prowling, ebullient” live performances (New York Times). Tickets are $45-$90.
American Symphony Wind Sextet at Opus 40 | June 24
The American Symphony Wind Sextet blows into Opus 40 in Saugerties on June 24 at 5pm for the first of a two-part program titled “Winds Among the Trees.” Featuring works from Carl Maria von Weber, Matyas Seiber, and more, this unique program explores the evolution of the wind sextet in the 19th and 20th centuries. Performing in the sextet are Shari Hoffman (clarinet), Lino Gomez (clarinet), Marc Goldberg (bassoon), Gilbert Dejean (bassoon), Lawrence DiBello (French horn), and David Smith (French horn). “Winds Among the Trees, Part 2” will take place on September 9. Tickets are $20 for each concert or $35 for both (Opus 40 member discount applies; see website for details).
Summer Play Lab at Ancram Opera House | June 24-25
This month the Ancram Opera House is presenting community workshops and work-in-progress showings of two new musical theater productions: “Perennials” (June 25 at 8pm), on healing while living through a pandemic created by Emergence Collective, and “Sunwatcher” (June 24 at 8pm), a Noh-inspired musical about astronomer Hisako Koyama by Tidtaya Sinutoke (music) and Isabella Dawis (book and lyrics). Admission is free with requested donation.
“Dad” on Stage at Great Barrington Public Theater | through July 3
Great Barrington, Massachusetts, is getting back in the in-person entertainment game with several events. Among these happenings is the Great Barrington Public Theater’s production of “Dad” at the Daniel Arts Center on the campus of Simon’s Rock College, which runs through July 3. Written by local playwright Mark St. Germain, “Dad” “takes a loving and quizzical look at sibling and parent rivalries, the long arm and arc of family, and the challenges of aging, reconciliations, and unplanned for self-discoveries that bring tears of pathos, heartbreak, and laughter.” The cast includes Tony nominee and Emmy winner Larry Bryggman and others. See website for ticket prices and performance times.
Food Trucks Roll into Hopewell Junction | June 25
Sponsored by Thomas Mahopac Bank, the ongoing Food Truck Friday event will take place on June 25 at 11:30am at the bank’s Hopewell Junction branch. The savory, multi-vendor event will benefit the Church of St. Columba/St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry, and free to-go lunches from Frites of New York will be available to all who attend. For further information, call (845) 227-0324.
Woodstock Museum Screens Outsider Artist Films | June 26
A legendary and fascinating character who reflects Woodstock’s legacy as an arts mecca, eccentric outsider artist Clarence Schmidt built his own surreal castle out on a mountain outside of town and befriended Bob Dylan during the musician’s time in the area. At the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum (WAAM) in Woodstock on June 26 at 3pm, join native artist and activist Calvin Grimm, artist and art expert Roger Ricco, and writer Tad Wise will moderate a screening of two short films by Beryl Sokoloff documenting Schmidt’s life and work. Tickets are $10 and seating is limited.
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This article appears in June 2021.
