As the ground thaws and the landscape begins to come alive again, so too does the local arts and culture scene. March in the Hudson Valley is jam-packed with fun events from Restaurant Week to a wide variety of dance performances. Here are 8 Hudson Valley events to pencil in.
DANCE
Tibetan Ritual Dance for Peace
On March 10, Lin Lerner and the New York Lingdro Troupe will bring the Tibetan ritual dance, Lingdro Dechen Rolmo, to West Hurley. Celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Earth Pig and remember the Tibetan Uprising Day, when the Chinese Communists took over Tibet. The Lingdro is a sacred dance that brings together male and female dancers in a moving meditation, dressed in colorful costumes as they step, stamp, hop, and whirl. The festival is named after Ling Gesar, the warrior-king in Asian epics most often compared to King Arthur. The dance, said to send peaceful energy around the world during unstable times and prevent war and bloodshed, will be performed at the Tibetan Center.
FOOD
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week
Stumble across the Valley Table Instagram feed these days and you’re likely to find yourself drooling. It’s the runup to Hudson Valley Restaurant Week and things are looking tasty. Returning March 11-24, the biannual culinary coalition will span eight counties from Westchester to Greene, with more than 200 restaurants gearing up to offer special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. Tasty new additions to the list include the Jolly Onion in Pine Island, the Stewart House in Athens, and Melzingah Taphouse in Beacon. Head to Valley Table’s website to review the full list and make your reservations. March 11-24. 3 courses, $22.95, lunch; $32.95; dinner.
COMEDY
Comedy Night at Phoenicia Playhouse
Veterans of the New York City comedy circuit, husband and wife Max Cohen and Vicky Kuperman noticed on their many visits upstate that the Hudson Valley was sorely lacking a comedy scene. So the couple decided to organize a stand-up comedy series at the historic Phoenicia Playhouse, showcasing the best comedic talent both from the surrounding area and New York City. Comedian Joe Devito will headline the show on March 16, delivering his quick, witty commentary on everything from relationships to current events to his Italian American family. $20.
DANCE
Calpulli Mexican Dance Company at Kaatsbaan
With state-of-the-art studios and a dancers’ residency program on its pastoral Tivoli campus, Kaatsbaan cultivates an inspiring environment for the dance community. This month, for the first time, Kaatsbaan will host the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. Through dance and live music, this troupe shares Mexican and Mexican-American heritage with communities around the world. On March 24, Kaatsbaan will debut “Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo,” followed by a discussion about background of the new production. March 24, 2:30-4:30pm. $10-$20.
FAMILY
Ashokan Center Maplefest
The oldest outdoor environmental education center in New York, the Ashokan Center will be hosting their annual Maple Fest on March 24. Enjoy live music all day along with a stack of pancakes fresh off the griddle, served with maple bacon and Ashokan maple syrup. Interactive events will be taking place throughout the day, as well. Participate in tree-tapping and syrup-making demonstrations or take a tour of the 385-acre campus. You can also register for blacksmithing lessons for an additional fee. March 24, 10am-4pm. $5 for adults, free for kids under 12.
BOOKS
Woodstock Bookfest
The legendary Woodstock music festival isn’t the only local happening celebrating a big birthday this year: March 28-31, the Woodstock Book Festival will toast to 10 years with a weekend-long gathering of literary minds and lovers of the written word. The festival offers two ticket tiers. The full festival pass includes panels, parties, keynotes, writing workshops, and a story slam. Highlights include a conversation between WAMC’s Joe Donahue and Sigrid Nunez, who won the National Book Award last year for The Friend; a spirituality panel moderated by Gail Staub; and a crime fiction panel with Edgar Award finalist Alison Gaylin.
MUSIC
Chris Botti at UPAC
On March 29, Grammy-winning trumpet player Chris Botti will bring his blend of jazz, pop, and rock to the Ulster Performing Arts Center in Kingston. With Gold and Platinum albums under his belt, Botti’s experience includes performing with Sting, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, and Frank Sinatra. Botti has played at the world’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Sydney Opera House, and now, for the first time, at UPAC. $60-$95.
MUSIC
An Evening with Cabaret Legend Steve Ross
In a celebration of the Great American Songbook, Hudson Hall presents the “Crown Prince of New York Cabaret,” Steve Ross. An internationally renowned performer, Ross brings his signature elegance and playfulness to the classic ballads of Cole Porter, Fred Astaire, and the Gershwins. Gregg Sheppard and John Philip will perform opening numbers, with a special appearance by acclaimed jazz vocalist Stevie Holland. March 30, 7pm. $25-$35.
This article appears in March 2019.
