This Week's 8 Hudson Valley Events

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, here are this week’s Hudson Valley events.

Ubaka Hill Leads Drumsong Orchestra | February 23

On February 23 at 6:30pm, drummer/percussionist, performer, teaching artist, and international speaker Ubaka Hill will direct the Hudson Valley’s first Drumsong Orchestra women’s drum and percussion ensemble at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston. The event will give participants the chance to learn world rhythms and songs, explore women’s drumming traditions, and express themselves creatively. Participants should wear a mask and bring a drum or percussion instrument (some loaner drums will be available). Registration is free. See website for registration and more information.

Patel Brings Laughs to West Nyack | February 25-26

Emmy-nominated writer and comedian Nimesh Patel has performed standup comedy in New York City for more than 10 years. Patel, who was a writer on NBC’s “A Little Late with Lilly Singh,” landed his first writing job when Chris Rock saw him perform standup and hired him directly to write for the Academy Awards in 2016. Since then, he has written for “Saturday Night Live,” the White House Correspondent’s Dinner,” and “Awkwafina” and worked as a producer for “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.” He will perform at Nyack Levity Live in West Nyack on February 25 at 7:30pm and 9:45pm and February 26 at 7pm and 9:30pm. See website for ticket prices.

Steven Bernstein Jams in Woodstock | February 25

Thanks to his lengthy tenure with Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble Band, New York trumpeter Steven Bernstein has long been a beloved presence on the local music scene. On February 25 at 7:30pm, Bernstein brings his Millennial Territory Orchestra back to Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock in celebration of the release of two recent albums on the Royal Potato Family label, Community Music, Vol. 1: Tinctures in Time and Community Music, Vol. 2: Good Time Music. The latter features vocalist Catherine Russell, who will appear with the band and guest Amy Helm for the show. Tickets are $35 and $50.

“Finding North” at Rosendale Theatre | February 25

Written by David Gonzalez, “Finding North” is a one-man play drawn from historical research and oral histories of the African American Underground Railroad hero John P. Parker and contemporary American immigrants that will be staged at the Rosendale Theatre on February 25 at 7pm. Presented by Maverick Concerts and the Rosendale Theatre Collective, the production celebrates Black History Month and uses live performance by actor, poet, and playwright Daniel Carlton and music and text by David Gonzalez to tell the tale of Parker, a former slave who helped fugitive slaves escape via the Underground Railroad in southern Ohio. A donation is requested, see website for reservations.

Top Jazz Musicians Play in Tarrytown | February 25-26

Five of the jazz world’s foremost jazz players—saxophonists Tim Armacost and Gary Smulyan, drummer Al Foster, bassist John Patitucci, and trumpeter Tom Harrell—will perform at the Jazz Forum in Tarrytown on February 25 and 26 at 7pm and 9pm each night. Although all of the musicians have storied careers and have worked with some of the music’s biggest legends (notably, Foster with Miles Davis), this engagement finds them on the eve of recording their debut album as a quintet. Tickets are $30-$35. Vaccination requirements apply.

Awards Evening at Mariner’s Harbor | February 26

Described as “a multidisciplinary artistic happening,” the Stephen Jones Awards will be presented by the Passing the Torch Through the Arts organization on February 26 at 5pm at restaurant Mariner’s Harbor in Kingston’s Rondout district, in honor of the late local actor, producer, and writer Stephen M. Jones. The evening will open at 5pm with complimentary finger foods followed by presentations of works by visual artists and performers. At 6pm, the original musical “Father Divine” will be performed, and at 7:30pm the awards will be presented. At 9pm there will be an after party featuring a live DJ playing ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s hits. Tickets are $25-$30 (dance party only is $10).

Film at Hutton Brickyards in Kingston | February 28

The Woodstock Film Festival will present an evening with actor/director Mary Stuart Masterson accompanied by a screening of her 2007 feature directorial debut, The Cake Eaters, at Hutton Brickyards’ Winter Pavillion in Kingston. Produced locally, the film explores the lives of two interconnected families as they confront old ghosts and discover love in the face of devastating loss. A moderated Q&A with Masterson will follow the showing. Tickets are $15, with additional $25 minimum for Hutton Brickyards offerings.

“365 Things” Art Exhibit in Poughkeepsie |
through March 4

On view through March 4 at Vassar College’s James W. Palmer III ’90 Gallery in Poughkeepise is “365 Things: A Consideration of Material Objects and Their Place in Our Lives” a display of thought-provoking works by artist Rick Jones. For gallery hours or information, please call the Campus Activities Office during regular business hours at (845) 437-5370 or visit the college’s website. Individuals requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact the Campus Activities Office at the above number.

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