Enjoy This Week's 8 Hudson Valley Events

Spring happenings in and around the Hudson Valley are multiplying in mid-May. Here are several to add to your list.

Kaatsbaan Spring Festival Kicks Off | May 20-30

In Tivoli, Kaatsbaan Cultural Park’s inaugural Spring Festival features a dynamic program of 16 presentations by leading artists from the worlds of dance, music, poetry, sculpture, and the culinary arts on two outdoor stages, spread out over two weekends: May 20-23 and May 27-30. Highlights include the American Ballet Theatre, Martha Graham Dance Company, Mark Morris Dance Group, Patti Smith, the New York City Ballet, Yo La Tengo, Steve Gunn, food writer Jeff Gordinier, and more. See the center’s website for tickets and a full schedule.

The B2s Vocal Group Sings in New Paltz | May 21

Founded and directed by teacher and singer-songwriter Debbie Lan, the B2s are an all-woman vocal ensemble with nine highly talented singers. On May 21 at 7pm the group will perform a special outdoor concert at Unison Arts in New Paltz, drawing on their deep and eclectic repertoire of songs by the Duhks, James Taylor, Sting, the Boswell Sisters, Rising Appalachia, Agnes Obel, and others. Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for kids 14 and under.

“Firedance!” Lights Up Basilica Hudson | May 21-23

“Firedance! A Selection of First Nation Stories” comes to heat up Basilica Hudson on May 21 and 22 at 7pm and May 23 at 5pm. Presented by Diata Diata International Folkloric Theatre and the Mental Health Association of Columbia and Greene Counties, the program celebrates the ways in which the indigenous people of our region and throughout the country were able to live in harmony with their natural world. The performances are free via online registration; admission is limited to 100 for each show (masks must be worn; socially distancing applies).

Saugerties Artists Studio Tour Opening at Opus 40 | May 21

As a preview of the Saugerties Artists Studio Tour, Opus 40 in Saugerties will host an opening exhibiting new works by 19 local artists on May 21 at 5pm. Participating artists include Kristin Barton, Ana Bergen, Barbara Bravo, Michael Ciccone, Shelley Davis, Ruth Edwy, Josepha Gutelius, Jen Hicks, Yvette Lewis, Ulf Loven, Iain Machell, Meredith Morabito, Hugh Morris, Michael Nelson, Michael Sullivan Smith, Victoria Stan, and Raymond J. Steiner. The opening celebration will include music, guided tours, and wine with snacks. The event is free; register at the Opus 40 website.

Deni Bonet Plays in Putnam Valley | May 22

Virtuoso violinist Deni Bonet will perform in a special duo with guitarist and singer Chris Flynn at Tompkins Corners Cultural Center on May 22 at 6:30pm. Bonet has performed at the White House for President Obama and with R.E.M., Sarah McLachlan, Cyndi Lauper, Robyn Hitchcock, Warren Zevon, and others and at such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, and the Great Wall of China. There is a suggested donation of $20 for the concert.

Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre Hits High Falls
| May 22

New York City-based modern dance company the Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre will present “Dance for your Dinner,” an outdoor evening of dance, community, nature, food, and drink, at the Camp and Stream Coach House and Main House in High Falls on May 22 at 5pm. The event promises live dance installations around the wooded property, with wine and snacks followed by a chance to interact and move along with the dancers among the waterfalls and streams of the lush greens. A seated dinner will be served, along with the preview of Selwyn’s most recent work in development, Threads. Tickets are $85 general admission and $125 inner circle.

Holocaust Survivor Concert Streams from Bearsville
| May 23

On May 23 at 4pm, Jewish Family Service of Orange County and SageArts Invite will present “Honoring Holocaust Survivors: A Concert of Resilience and Hope 2021,” a free livestream event emanating from the Bearsville Theater. Performers include Elizabeth Clark, Michael Veitch, Jen Clapp, Vickie Russell, Bonnie Meadow, Elise Pittelman, Judy Cass, Steve Gorn, Lou Pappas, Pete Levin, and Aldo Lavaggi; Julie Last will direct the music. Register at the theater’s website.

WGXC Celebrates 10 Years with Drive-In Event
| May 26

In celebration of its 10th year on the air, Columbia and Greene counties’ “Radio for Open Ears,” WGXC, will host an outdoor event at Greenville Drive-In on May 26 beginning at 7:30pm. The festivities will include 10-minute sets by current and former WGXC DJs, cocktails and snacks, photographic portrait taking, a special performance of 10 songs in 10 minutes by Stephen Merritt of the Magnetic Fields, and more. Tickets are $10-$50.

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