Mohonk Tulip Festival
April 30-May 10
Spring has officially sprung! What better way to celebrate the start of the season than by going to view an explosion of spring color at Mohonk Mountain House’s annual Tulip Festival from April 30 to May 10. While taking in the splendor of 20,000 tulips in bloom, indulge in your garden party dreams with floral tea, an assortment of cookies, music, crafts, and cocktails. In addition to these treats, a Tulip pass also includes one-day access to Mohonk’s scenic hiking trails, parking, art exhibits, performances, and more. Secure your tickets in advance, as daily availability is limited.
Under the Gun
April 30 at Starr Cinema in Rhinebeck
Despite recent setbacks—including the organization's defenestration of its longtime CEO Wayne LaPierre, who misspent millions of dollars—the National Rifle Association remains one of the strongest lobbying groups in the country. Stephanie Soechting’s searing documentary, narrated by Katie Couric details the NRA’s rise to prominence and the maddening challenge of passing gun control legislation. Presented by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. 5pm. Free.
The Decembrists
April 30 at UPAC in Kingston
In advance of the release of As It Ever Was, So It Shall Be Again in June, The Decemberists bring their Peaceable Kingdom tour to UPAC. The indie rock band, formed in 2000 in Oregon, blends folk, rock, and storytelling into a distinctive musical tapestry. With Colin Meloy's vocals leading the charge, their songs often feature intricate instrumentals, including accordions, mandolins, and various string instruments. Lyrically, they delve into historical narratives, fantastical themes, and literary references, creating vivid and imaginative storytelling. Their music ranges from upbeat, foot-stomping anthems to melancholic ballads, evoking a sense of nostalgia and whimsy.
Rodrigo y Gabriela
May 1 at UPAC in Kingston
Virtuoso guitarists Rodrigo y Gabriela (last names, respectively, Sanchez and Quintero) have a worldwide following thanks to their dazzling acoustic fusion of flamenco nuevo, heavy metal, and classic rock. The duo, who met and began playing together when they were both 15 years old and are now 50, formed in Mexico City and made their name in Ireland, where they played pubs and busked around before being discovered and getting signed. The pair performed at the White House for President Barack Obama in 2010 and released their latest album, In Between Thoughts…A New World, in 2023. (Old Crow Medicine Show whoops it up April 14.) 7:30pm. $49-$84. Kingston.
Lara Hope and the Ark-Tones
May 2 at the Falcon
Local rockabilly icons Lara Hope and the Ark-Tones swing through Marlboro for a snappy, upbeat show at the Falcon. Formed in 2012, the foursome features Lara Hope on lead vocals and guitar, Matt “the Knife” Goldpaugh on upright bass, Eli Marzano on drums, and Eddie Rion on guitar.
Rhinebeck Antique Car Show
May 3-5 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds
The mustang, an iconic symbol of American culture, is set to take center stage at the Rhinebeck Antique Car Show on May 4 and 5. Celebrate the 60th anniversary of this iconic car at the 52nd iteration of this car swap meet and car show at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. Not only will this event be a place to drool over a sea of over 300 cars and rare Mustangs, but it will also be a fundraiser for the Carroll Shelby Foundation and the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. $15-$35.
Pokey LaFarge
May 3 at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock
Released this month, Rhumba Country, the 11th album by retro-roots artist Pokey LaFarge, finds the singer-songwriter downplaying the noirish slant of much of his earlier output. “There was a time when I glorified sadness because I lost sight of who I was,” says the stylish, questing 40-year-old, who not long ago moved to Maine to work 12-hour days on a farm while reflecting on his life’s path. “But now I understand that creating and expressing joy is my gift, and gifts are meant to be shared…I used to see my music in dark blue, but now I see it in Technicolor.” (Margaret Glaspy goes unplugged May 4; Willi Carlisle waxes May 19.) 7:30pm. $35, $50.
Pete Seeger Birthday Celebration
May 3 at Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon
Pete Seeger was not only a folk icon who influenced countless performers; his commitment to environmental, humanitarian and social justice causes have inspired millions to help create a better world. Since Seeger's passing in 2014, the Towne Crier has held a home town celebration on his birthday with stories and songs. This year, the celebration will be hosted by local folksinger David Bernz, author of a new book, Pete Seeger: Chopping Wood, Thoughts and Stories of a Legendary American Folksinger. The evening will feature special guest musicians, and the stage will also be opened up to those who wish to share a song written or inspired by Pete or a personal story about him.
An Evening with Rachel Maddow
May 4 at UPAC
In her latest New York Times bestseller, Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism, journalist and Emmy-winning news anchor Rachel Maddow tracks the rise of a wild American strain of authoritarianism that has been alive on the far-right edge of our politics for the better part of a century. Before and even after our troops had begun fighting abroad in World War II, a clandestine network flooded the country with disinformation aimed at sapping the strength of the US war effort and persuading Americans that our natural alliance was with the Axis, not against it. Maddow will discuss her book and its contemporary resonance with University of Pennsylvania Professor Anthea Butler. 7:30pm. $49.
The Goddess Party
May 4 at the Old Dutch Church
According to Coaching-online.org, a goddess party is “a gathering that celebrates womanhood, sisterhood, empowers women, and uplifts the female mind and spirit.” Add music, dancing, and colorful visuals to the convergence and that empowering, uplifting, feminine energy can hit infectious, higher levels—something that’s been known to happen at the rare concerts by the Hudson Valley-based collective known as the Goddess Party. Featuring a choir of over 30 singers and a full rock band, the project performs songs by Kate Bush, the B-52s, PJ Harvey, and others. During the 2023 O+ Festival the collaboration wowed a full house at the Old Dutch Church, to where it will return this month. Ahead of the show, cofounder and director Shana Falana answered the questions below by email. The Goddess Party will perform at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston on May 4 at 7pm. Rager will open. There is a suggested donation of $20 at the door.
Blue Hill & Stone Barns 20th Anniversary Festival
May 5 at Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Blue Hill and its nonprofit partner farm and research center, the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, celebrate 20 years of pioneering ecological agriculture and farm-to-table cuisine with a one-day festival at the Pocantico Hills campus on Sunday, May 5. The property will receive 1,600 guests for a day of food and activities that include tours, tastings, educational demos, family activities, and hayrides. A food truck rally will bring together local producers, restaurants, roasters, brewers, and more as Blue Hill celebrates two decades of research and innovation.
