This week we look forward to classic comedy, live music, original theater, and innovative art as we get ready to celebrate Black History Month.
FILM
Groundhog Day in Kingston
Here’s a timely movie showing for you, at UPAC in Kingston. Written and directed by Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray, Groundhog Day is a 1993 comedy classic. Murray plays a TV weatherman who, during an assignment covering the annual Groundhog Day event, is caught in a time loop, repeatedly reliving the same day. The film screens on January 31 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $6.
COMMUNITY
Black History Month Kicks Off in Kingston
February 2020 marks the third year for Black History Month Kingston, which is cosponsored by the community organizations MyKingstonKids and Harambee. Dozens of local events celebrating African-American contributions to our national and local culture are planned, and the season will officially begin with a free, open-to-all community dinner at the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County on January 31 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. See website for a full schedule of events and festival map.
ART
William Stone Exhibit in Hudson
Visual artist William Stone’s absurdist work has been singled out with praise by Artforum magazine for the way in which it “confront[s] us with an utter lack of functionality.” “Apperception,” a new exhibition of Stone’s multimedia pieces, will open at Hudson Hall in Hudson with an artist-attended reception on February 1 at 5pm. The show runs through March 15.
MUSIC
Joshua Bell in Poughkeepsie
A leading draw on the symphonic circuit, Joshua Bell is beloved by audiences and critics alike for his impassioned performances on stage and record. On February 1 at 8pm, the violin virtuoso comes to the Bardavon Theater in Poughkeepsie in a recital being held to benefit the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. The planned program includes selections by Schubert, Franck, Bach, and Bloch. Tickets are $100 ($150 includes reception with the artist).
THEATER
“Tikkun” in Rhinebeck
Directed by Emily DePew, “Tikkun” is a new drama written by Roselee Blooston that makes its world premiere January 31 through February 2 at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. The play spans 74 years and two continents as Solomon Mildman and his only child, Susan Sonia, struggle with Jewish-American identity, survivor guilt, assimilation, and intermarriage. “Tikkun” was one of five national finalists in the 2006 Dorothy Silver Playwriting Competition for works with Jewish themes. Tickets are $25.
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This article appears in January 2020.
