The document summarizes various cultural events taking place in the Hudson Valley region in June 2010, including the following: 1) An exhibition on natural history illustrations at the New York State Museum in Albany, featuring works from 13 countries on animals, birds, insects and plants. 2) A celebration in Red Hook called the Big Read, focused on The Great Gatsby with over 20 events held over six weeks with a 1920s theme, including a dance party and activities at Clermont State Historic Site. 3) The debut of the Beacon Riverfest in Beacon, featuring live music from bands such as The Fleshtones and Tracy Bonham throughout the day in Riverfront Park.

1. Hudson Valley Magazine | Out & About in June 2010 http://www.hvmag.com/core/pagetools.php?pageid=7698&url...
Send to printer Close window
Out & About in June 2010
Animals invade Albany, Gatsby visits Red Hook, and Tom Rush
slows down in Garrison
B Y: P O L LY S PA R L I N G
Animals on parade
M
ore than 70 illustrators from 13 countries have contributed works to Focus on Nature XI: Natural History
Illustration, now on view at the New York State Museum. While rarely exhibited, illustrations like these — of
animals, birds, insects, and plants — “are still often the primary means used to give explanations of the
natural world,” says exhibition curator Patricia Kernan. Besides common specimens (like elephants and sparrows) and
less well-known animals like the platypus, the exhibit also showcases depictions of extinct creatures such as Titanoboa
cerrejonensis (shown previous page), the largest snake ever known to exist — and recreated for the show by Rhinebeck
artist James Gurney. Through Oct. 31. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Madison Ave., Albany. 518-474-5877 or
www.nysm.nysed.gov
Book ’em
F
or two years, the Friends of the Red Hook Public Library have been planning the town’s Big Read — and it
shows. The six-week celebration of literature focuses on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby;
more than 20 different events, including film screenings, art exhibits, panel discussions, concerts — all of which
1 of 2 5/31/10 12:13 PM

2. Hudson Valley Magazine | Out & About in June 2010 http://www.hvmag.com/core/pagetools.php?pageid=7698&url...
have a 1920s theme — are part of the fun. Grab your flapper garb for “Gatsby and All that Jazz,” a dance and costume
party (June 5). Or head to Clermont State Historic Site in Germantown for Family Day, with live music, lindy dance
instruction, antique cars, family games, and other old-fashioned fun. Through June 19. Call for details on all events.
845-757-3031 or www.redhook.lib.ny.us
On the Waterfront
S
ummer just wouldn’t be summer without outdoor concerts — and here in the Valley, we have more than our fair
share of them. This month, a new event makes its debut: Beacon Riverfest. Held in the city’s Riverfront Park, this
daylong jam features three musical acts: The Fleshtones, who have been playing their mixture of garage rock,
R&B, and dance music since 1976; Tracy Bonham, a classically trained singer/songwriter who’s garnered two Grammy
nominations; and the country rock band Yarn. June 26 from 2 p.m.-dusk, rain or shine. For more information, visit
www.beaconriverfest.com
Trendsetters
I
n the 1920s, three American women were instrumental in the creation of what we call modern dance. Isadora
Duncan (pictured below) is the best known; her improvisational style and insistence on natural movement was in
direct conflict with the formalism of classical ballet. Ruth St. Denis was inspired by mysticism and spirituality;
choreographer Martha Graham was one of her pupils. And Loie Fuller — the first American modern dancer to perform in
Europe — was a regular at the Folies Bergère. The Mythic Immortals: Muses of Modern Dance — a performance by
Jeanne Bresciani, Livia Vanaver, and Jody Sperling — honors these dance pioneers. June 12-13. Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2
p.m. $20-$25, reservations required. Kaatsbaan International Dance Center. 120 Broadway, Tivoli. 845-757-5106, ext. 2
or www.kaatsbaan.org
Small groups, big sound
C
elebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the Hudson Valley Chamber Music Circle offers a series of three
concerts headlined by world-renowned musicians. On June 12, Grammy Award-winning guitarist Sharon Isbin
joins Brazilian percussionist Gaudencio Thiago de Mello in “Journey to the Amazon,” a program of works by
Spanish and South American composers. The Dolce Suono Trio — a flute, cello, and piano ensemble — takes the stage
on June 19, playing pieces by composers ranging from Joseph Haydn to Ned Rorem. The series wraps up on June 26
with the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio along with the Miami String Quartet; on the bill is the local premiere of
composer (and Valley resident) Joan Tower’s Quartet No. 4, “Angels.” All performances begin at 8 p.m. $28, $20 seniors,
$5 students. Olin Hall, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson. 845-339-7907.
Rush hour
A
ccording to Rolling Stone, folk and blues veteran Tom Rush ushered in the era of the singer/songwriter. With
more than 20 albums recorded over the last 45 years, Rush had a hand in shaping the folk music revival of the
1960s; he continues to influence the genre with his series of Club 47 shows, which combine well-established
musicians with up-and-comers. Known for his wry humor and expressive singing voice, Rush performs solo under the
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival’s state-of-the-art theater tent on the grounds of Boscobel House and Gardens. June
28 at 7 p.m. $35. Rte. 9D, Garrison. 845-265-3638, ext. 115 or www.boscobel.org
2 of 2 5/31/10 12:13 PM