This week’s roundup of Hudson Valley activities brings quite an interesting assortment of things to do—music, museums, and meals among them.
MUSEUMS
Bethel Woods Center Reopens
The Sullivan County site of the original 1969 Woodstock Festival, the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, has reopened in an adjusted capacity. The Museum at Bethel Woods is now open daily from 10am to 5pm (its cafe remains closed, and masks are required for entry and for sale at the box office; purchasing online tickets in advance is recommended). The new “More Than a Meal” series at the site’s open-air Market Sheds includes a four-course prix fixe menu with a choice for entrees and starters, as well as conversations exploring the 1960s with Neal Hitch, the museum’s senior curator (tickets are $45 and must be purchased in advance; seating is limited). On June 15, the center will host “Earth in Focus,” a virtual Q&A panel with Assistant Curator Julia Fell, Alyssa Adams of Eddie Adams Workshop, and photographer Jessica Bidwell about the influence nature has on the photography field (RSVP required; see website).
FILM
Peekamoose Hosts Outdoor Screenings
Peekamoose restaurant in beautiful Big Indian is one of the area’s premier culinary destinations. But how to help draw flatland diners back up as business restrictions lift? Answer: Cinerama, a montage of vintage film excerpts that screens on the eatery’s lawn for outdoor patrons. “We spliced segments of old 1950s and 1970s movie trailers (think super-cheesy films!), vintage cartoons (“The Pink Panther,” Bugs Bunny, etc.) and brief scenes from classic film and television (Monty Python, “I Love Lucy,” etc.),” says proprietor Marybeth Mills. “The reel runs on a constant loop (four-plus hours) and guests are free to grab a picnic table, lay a blanket down, or relax by our nightly bonfire, under the stars. We supply a retro FM radio to listen at your desired volume. Or guests can sit in their cars and tune in to 87.5 FM to hear the show. Our picnic tables are spaced 10-15 feet apart and there's plenty of room on our garden deck.” The eatery is building a small bar for lawn guests where they can purchase s’mores kits, popcorn, or white sangria or beer; has added a wood-burning pizza oven; and is hoping to add live music and a pig roast in August.”
MUSIC
Performances and Films in Hudson
Time & Space Limited (TSL) in Hudson will host two nights of live music and classic films in its 20,000-square-foot parking lot this weekend. On July 17 at 7pm, the arts center will present local hip-hop/R&B phenomenon Kulton the Maker and on July 18 at 7pm, Western Massachusetts hip-hop artist and activist donnyfromtheposter. Following the live music each night will be screenings of the classic Buster Keaton silent film comedies One Week (1920) and The Boat (1921), and food and beverages will be available. Tickets are $10 and include chair seating (seating is limited to 50 patrons).
MUSIC
Don Byron Quartet at the Falcon
Clarinetist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and Hudson Valley resident Don Byron is a restless and leading explorer of musical genres that include jazz, klezmer, classical, gospel, and R&B. His albums The Tuskegee Experiments (1992) and Don Byron Plays the Music of Mickey Katz (1993) are regarded as modern classics. On July 19, Byron brings his quartet featuring guitarist David Gilmore (not to be confused with Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour), drummer Ben Perowsky, and bassist Brad Jones to the Falcon for two sets (6 and 8pm) on the Marlboro venue’s outdoor stage (*Outdoor dining service and hours are weather-dependent; indoor restrooms will be accessible; standing room is not allowed at this time; the Falcon’s outdoor beer garden must maintain social distancing parameters, with all tables six feet apart; staff and customers must wear face coverings when not seated). Space is limited, so please reserve tables online.MUSEUMS
Hudson River Maritime Museum Opens Up
One of the crown jewels on Kingston’s Rondout district is the Hudson River Maritime Museum, which was founded in 1979 and chronicles the region’s rich past by housing a deep collection of historic vessels, artifacts, archival material and art related to Hudson River transportation, industries, and recreation. The museum partnered with the sloop Clearwater in 2012 to build the Kingston Home Port and Education Center, located on the west end of the museum property to serve as a winter home port for Clearwater. Late last week, the museum reopened after the coronavirus closures. For museum hours, health protocol information, and other details, please visit the museum’s website.To find out about more upcoming events in the Hudson Valley, subscribe to our weekly newsletter Eat. Play. Stay.