EXPLORE Magazine by twenty/20 Visual Solutions

EXPLORE THINGS TO DO. PLACES TO GO. WINTER 2010

get outside! •

snowshoeing 101

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family friendly ski resorts

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top picks for holiday events

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suzanne vega plays troy travel

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family

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arts

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events calendar

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Publisher George Hearst III Editorial Janet Reynolds Executive Editor Jill Montag Contributing Managing Editor Design Wes Bennett Design Director Tony Pallone Designer

Disney characters and artwork © Disney, Disney/Pixar characters © Disney/Pixar.

Contributing Writers Steve Amedio, Kim Sakrison Durant, Janet Groene, Erik Hage, Chris Harris, Jessica Maher, Jill Montag, Stacey Morris, Brianna Snyder, Andrew Vietze

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Contributing Photographers Wes Bennett, Larry Lawrence, Bert Sanchez

Controller Ray Koupal Chief Financial Officer TimesUnion.com Paul Block Executive Producer If you are interested in receiving home delivery of EXPLORE magazine, please call: 518.454.5454 · For advertising information, please call: 518.454.5358 EXPLORE is published by Capital Newspapers and Times Union 645 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12212 · 518.454.5694 The entire contents of this magazine are copyright 2009 by Capital Newspapers. No portion may be reproduced in any means without written permission of the publisher. Capital Newspapers is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hearst Corporation.

contents in every issue 8

Calendar of Events » December ‘09-March ‘10

18 Our Backyard » Local gems to visit 43 Off the Beaten Path » Woodstock, N.Y. in winter 48 Just the Two of Us » Kennebunkport, Maine 54 Last Call » Susan Arbetter on Boston

page 8 — PHOTO COURTESY NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM

features MUSIC 24 Very Vega » Suzanne Vega mulls her place in music FAMILY FUN 21 Happy Holidays » Ten events to enjoy with family and friends

page 35

31 When You Give a Pigeon a Hot Dog... » ...expect plenty of laughs

— PHOTO COURTESY OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT

FAMILY TRAVEL 35 20 Family Friendly Ski Resorts » Families who ski together, stay together TRAVEL 52 Sail the Caribbean on a Cloud » Cruising the old-fashioned way OUTDOORS 39 Say Yes to Snowshoeing » A primer to get you started

page 43 — PHOTO BY LARRY LAWRENCE

TRAVEL TIPS 51 Cruising for a Good Time » Tips for booking a cruise you can afford

on the cover Snowshoe your way to winter fun. Read the story on page 39. — COVER PHOTO BY WES BENNETT

page 48 — PHOTO COURTESY MAINE OFFICE OF TOURISM

timesunion.com/explore

editor’s editors note note

Winter Wonderland

hile the appeal of snuggling up by a cozy fire and hibernating with a good book and a glass of wine or perhaps hot chocolate until the snow melts is admittedly appealing, it’s also clear that the Capital Region has a plethora of possibilities for getting out of the house and enjoying the great white outside. After all, what is the point of living in a place like upstate New York if you don’t at least enjoy a couple of outdoor activities each season? One of my favorite winter activities — besides the wine, book and fireside — is snowshoeing. While I enjoy cross country skiing as well, snapping on the snowshoes and sluffing through woods filled with newly-fallen snow, where the only sound is the occasional muffled poof of a clump of snow falling to the ground, is really one of life’s great de-stressers. It’s also perfect for the athletically-challenged. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. If you haven’t tried it, I heartily endorse giving it a shot. The primer on page 39 has everything you need to get started. If swooshing down a mountain is more your speed, you won’t want to miss the story on the top 20 family-friendly ski resorts in the Northeast. You can get the 411 on each to make the best choice for your family weekends outside. Finally, perhaps more than any other time of year, the holidays are a time for family and friends. This issue of EXPLORE offers a multitude of options for celebrating the season. Besides the multi-month calendar starting on page 8, the holiday round-up of events on page 21 offers ten options for ways to step away from the mall and savor the season.

elping us slow down and savor the moment, in fact, are part of what makes winter so special I think. More than any other season, winter’s storms and blustery blasts of frigid air force us to think more completely about what we’re doing. It takes real fortitude and determination, for instance, to decide to spend a few hours outside when the thermometer is hovering around 20 degrees. Taking that leap, then, is a more conscious decision than, say, in the summer when deciding to spend some time outside is as simple as throwing on a tee shirt and shorts and going. It’s almost too easy and therefore easier to be less engaged and aware. Winter, like a petulant child, insists that you pay attention. NOW. No matter what winter means to you, here’s hoping you find something in EXPLORE to help you enjoy the season. E

A Ho for t Holi

Star

Tou

The T

Holiday

in the

Berkshires Holiday Candlelight and Chocolate Tours of Herman Melville’s Arrowhead

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Thur., Sat, & Sun. 6pm December 3 - January 3 (Closed 12/24 & 12/31)

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calendar december 2009 December

Music Classical Music Canfield Casino

Congress Park, Saratoga Springs 584-6920 Thu, Dec 17: Albany Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. “Great Artists of Tomorrow,” features three brand new “pocket” concertos by Juilliard composition students, played by Juilliard student virtuosi.

Carondelet Hospitality Center

385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Albany albanypromusica.org 438-6548 Sun, Dec 13: Albany Pro Musica. 3 p.m. “When Angels Sing” holiday concert.

The College of Saint Rose

1002 Madison Ave., Albany 454-5178 esyo.org Mon, Dec 7: Saint Rose Brass

Choir concert. 7 p.m. Presented by the music department. Sun, Dec 13: Empire State Youth Orchestra. 3 p.m. Empire State Youth Jazz Ensemble and Empire State Jazz Ensemble 2. Sun, Dec 20: Empire State Youth Orchestra. 3 p.m. The afternoon concert features the Empire State Wind Orchestra. The evening holiday concert welcomes the Empire State Youth, Repertory, and Junior Percussion Ensembles.

The Egg

Empire State Plaza, Albany theegg.org 473-1845 Fri, Dec 11: The Mendelssohn Club. 8 p.m. The ensemble’s holiday concert, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” welcomes special guests, the Capital District Youth Chorale.

First Congregational Church

405 Quail St., Albany 458-9231 Sat, Dec 12: Capitol Chamber Artists. Recital, 7 p.m.; concert, 8 p.m. The Baroque Holiday Spectacular features music by

Corelli, Bach, Biber and Vivaldi, played on original instruments.

First Presbyterian Church

115 Union St., Schenectady albanypromusica.org 438-6548 Sat, Dec 12: Albany Pro Musica. 8 p.m. “When Angels Sing” holiday concert.

Lally Mohawk Room/ Ellston Hall/SCCC

State Street and Washington Avenue, Schenectady 381-1250 Mon, Dec 14: SCCC Woodwind Chamber Ensembles and Basic Ensemble. 7:30 p.m.

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

14 Castle St., Great Barrington, Mass. mahaiwe.org 413-528-0100 Sat, Dec 19: Metropolitan Opera’s presents Offenbach’s Les Contes D’Hoffman live in HD. 1 p.m. Thur Dec 31: Bring in the new year with Bach’s Brandenburg Concert, performed by the Berkshire Bach Society. 6 p.m.

Skidmore College

North Broadway, Saratoga Springs www.skidmore.edu 580-5320 Fri, Dec 11: Skidmore College Orchestra. 8 p.m. Conducted by Anthony Holland.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

58 Third St., Troy 273-7351 Tue, Dec 15: St. Paul’s Choir. Noon. The group, along with Cynthia Morris, presents “A St. Paul’s Sampler” of music for the season.

St. Pius X Church

23 Crumitie Road, Loudonville 462-1336 Sun, Dec 13: Festival Celebration Choir. 3 p.m. “This Christmastide.”

Taylor Auditorium/SCCC

State Street and Washington Avenue, Schenectady 381-1250 Mon, Dec 7: SCCC Chorus and Vocal Chamber Ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Wed, Dec 9: SCCC Jazz Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. 7:30 p.m. Fri, Dec 18: SCCC Wind Ensemble. 7:30 p.m.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

30 Second St., Troy troymusichall.org 273-0038 Tue, Dec 8 and Fri, Dec 18: Celebrate the Holidays with “Great Artists of Tomorrow.” 8 p.m. Three new “pocket” concertos by Juiliard composition students, played by Juiliard student virtuosi. Sun, Dec 20: Vienna Choir Boys. 7 p.m. The choir is one of the oldest in the world and has been a symbol of Austria for nearly 500 years.

Union College

Union Street, Schenectady 388-6080 Sun, Dec 13: Boston Camerata. 8 p.m. Part of the college’s 38th International Festival of Chamber Music series.

University at Albany

1400 Washington Ave., Albany 442-3997 Mon, Dec 7: Twenty Drummers Drummin’. 7 p.m. A concert of percussion music performed by the University Percussion Ensemble and the Rensselaer Percussion Ensemble.

WAMC Northeast Public Radio

339 Central Ave., Albany wamcarts.org (800)323-9262 Fri, Dec 11: Flame. 8 p.m. Performance by a group from upstate New York, made up of people with developmental/ physical disabilities, including autism, Down’s syndrome, mental retardation and blindness. Sat, Dec 12: David Mallett. 8 p.m. Songs of passion, loss, and struggle in a crisp, friendly voice that will appeal to a wide audience of country and folk aficionados.

Pop, Rock, Folk, Country and Jazz Music Columbia High School

962 Luther Road, East Greenbush 370-5434 Sat, Dec 19: Capital Community Voices. 7:30 p.m. “Cool Yule with CCV” features traditional, popular, and jazzy holiday selections.

The Egg

Empire State Plaza, Albany theegg.org 473-1845 Fri, Dec 11: The Jerry Douglas

dereK trucKs brinGs his souLfuL slide guitar to the Egg, Dec. 13. Go to theegg.org for details. — photo CourtESy thE EGG

EXPLORE

Band with John Oates and Maura O’Connell. 8 p.m. The world’s foremost Dobro player Jerry Douglas and his band are joined by vocalist John Oates (of Hall & Oates fame) and Irish chanteuse Maura O’Connell for an evening of folk-rock and holiday music with a formidable dose of acoustic instrumental virtuosity. Sat, Dec 12 - Sun, Dec 13: Mountain Snow and Mistletoe. 8 p.m. A concert of holiday songs and stories with Bridget Ball and Christopher Shaw that features the Mountain Snow Orchestra: fiddler John Kirk, guitarist Kevin McKrell, and percussionist Brian Melick. Sat, Dec 12: A Sinatra Christmas. 3 p.m. Add a little ho-ho-ho to your scooby-dooby-doo with this holiday tribute show performed by the Joey Thomas Big Band and vocalist Bob Father. Sun, Dec 13: The Derek Trucks Band. 7:30 p.m. Led by the soulful slide guitar of Derek Trucks, this band takes an improvisational musical journey through the worlds of jazz, rock, blues, Latin, and R&B.

Home Made Theater

Spa Little Theater, Saratoga Springs homemadetheater.org 587-4427 Sun, Dec 20: A Saratoga Christmas with the Mckrells. 7 p.m. Kevin McKrell and gang perform a fun holiday program for all.

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

14 Castle St., Great Barrington, Mass. mahaiwe.org 413-528-0100 Fri, Dec 18: John Pizzarelli, jazz singer and master guitarist, and son of Bucky Pizzarelli returns. Co-host with Broadway star and wife, Jessica Molaskey of “Radio Deluxe,” a nationally syndicated radio program. 8 p.m.

Proctors

432 State St., Schenectady proctors.org 346-6204 Sat, Dec 19: Sing Solstice! Kim & Reggie Harris and Magpie. 7:30 p.m. Folk.

Skidmore College

North Broadway, Saratoga Springs www.skidmore.edu 580-5320 Mon, Dec 7: Skidmore Jazz Ensemble. 8 p.m. Directed by Mark Vinci. Wed, Dec 9: Skidmore Guitar Ensemble. 8 p.m. The ensemble will perform.

St. John’s Lutheran Church

142 Maple Ave., Altamont oldsongs.org Sat, Dec 12: Nowell Sing We Clear. 3 p.m. Old Songs presents the annual pageant of Midwinter Carols.

State Museum

Empire State Plaza at Madison Avenue, Albany www.nysm.nysed.gov 486-2024 Thu, Sep 6 - Thu, Dec 31: Music Jam. Noon-2 p.m. Public welcome to play own instruments or to listen; every Thursday.

Times Union Center

51 S. Pearl St., Albany timesunioncenter-albany.com (800)303-8368 Mon, Dec 7: Elton John and Billy Joel: Face 2 Face. 7:30 p.m. Two of the biggest names in music will take the stage. Rescheduled from July.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

30 Second St., Troy troymusichall.org 273-0038 Tue, Dec 8: The True Tones. Noon. Popular songs and melodies.

Stage Capital Repertory Theatre

111 N. Pearl St., Albany capitalrep.org 462-4531 Thru Sun, Dec 20: My Fair Lady. Adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion, the play tells the enduring story of the Cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, who is transformed into a high society debutante by the gruff British linguist, Henry Higgins.

Cohoes Music Hall

58 Remsen St., Cohoes cohoesmusichall.com 237-5858 Thru Sun, Dec 20: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. 8 p.m. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the “tale as old as time” includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman along with new songs by Menken and Tim Rice.

Curtain Call Theatre

210 Old Loudon Road, Latham 877-7529 Thru Sat, Jan 2: The Ladies Man. 7:30 p.m. George Feydeau’s

farce about a married Parisian physician who starts a web of lies to cover for his falling short in the bedroom.

scenes throughout the park, plus crafts, refreshments, costumed characters and more at the Lakehouse. Proceeds benefit the juvenile crime prevention programs of the Albany Police Athletic League.

Good Times Lakeview Inn Restaurant

175 Lake Road, Ballston Lake GoodTimesRestaurant.com 399-9976 Thru Thu, Dec 31: Another Mystery on the Lake. 6:30 p.m. Interactive dinner performance of a murder mystery.

Fairs & Festivals

Home Made Theater

Spa Little Theater, Saratoga Springs homemadetheater.org 587-4427 Fri, Dec 11 - Sun, Dec 20: A Christmas Carol. 7:30 p.m. Charles Dickens’ classic holiday ghost story.

New York State Theatre Institute

Division Street, Troy nysti.org 274-3256 Thru Fri, Dec 18: King Island Christmas. Joyful tale about the spirit of giving based on a 1951 true story of a tiny Alaskan village in the Bering Sea.

Proctors

432 State St., Schenectady proctors.org 346-6204 Thru Sun, Dec 13: It’s a Wonderful Life. 8 p.m. Classic Theater Guild Inc.’s play by James W. Rodgers, based on classic film by Frank Capra and story by Philip Van Doren. Wed, Dec 9 - Sun, Jan 3: Wicked. 8 p.m. The Tony Award-winning Broadway smash tells the story of the relationship between Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, based on the book by Albany native Gregory Maguire.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

1851 15th St., Troy rpi.edu Fri, Dec 11 - Sat, Dec 12: “Winter Follies: A Night of One Act Plays.” 7 p.m. Students of the Fall classes at Young Actors Guild will culminate the fall semester with production of “The Cut” (a comedy about a play in a play in a play) and “18 More Reasons Not to Be in a Play” (another comedy about why you should never be in a play).

Downtown Albany

the aLbanY sYmPhonY orchestra offers a variety of concerts this holiday season in multiple locations. Check out — photo by GAry DAViD GolD photoGrAphy aso.org for details.

Schenectady Civic Playhouse

12 S. Church St., Schenectady 382-2081 Thru Sun, Dec 13: Little Women. 8 p.m. A musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel about the March sisters growing up in Civil War America.

Schenectady Light Opera Company

826 State St., Schenectady (877)350-7378 Thru Sun, Dec 13: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. 8 p.m. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical tale of jacket jealousy and Biblical brotherhood.

Steamer No. 10 Theatre

500 Western Ave., Albany steamer10theatre.org 438-5503 Thru Sun, Dec 20: Snow Queen. 3 p.m. Ric Chesser’s musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

30 Second St., Troy troymusichall.org 273-0038 Fri, Dec 11: “Scrooge, in Concert.” 8 p.m. Dickens’ spirited tale of a miser’s redemption at Christmas gets a musical remaking in New York Stage Originals’ orchestral production.

Comedy Palace Theatre

19 Clinton Ave., Albany palacealbany.com 465-4663 Sat, Dec 12: Jim Gaffigan. 8 p.m. The stand-up comedian, actor and writer has appeared in the TBS series My Boys, HBO’s Flight of the Conchords and films including The Love Guru and 13 Going On 30.

Tess’ Lark Tavern

453 Madison Ave., Albany 463-9779 Thru Sun, Dec 13: Comedy on the Park. 8-10 p.m. With Greg Aidala.

Family Fun Albany Institute of History & Art

125 Washington Ave., Albany albanyinstitute.org 463-4478, Ext. 405 Sat, Dec 12 and Sun, Dec 20: Family Program: Art for All. 1-4 p.m. Adults and children of all ages are welcome to explore history and art through creativity. Art for All begins in the galleries and is followed by an art-making activity in the studio. Tue, Dec 29 - Thu, Dec 31: Family Provaction Vacation Art Break. 9 a.m.-noon; 1-4 p.m. Children’s art workshops. Classes incorporate

gallery visits to instill both content and context to lessons. Registration required.

Ballston Area Community Center

9 Scott St., Ballston Spa iyfwrestling.com 250-1617 Sat, Dec 12: In Your Face Wrestling. 7 p.m.

Bethlehem Public Library

451 Delaware Ave., Delmar bethlehempubliclibrary.org 439-9314 Thru Wed, Dec 9: Family play time. 10 a.m. A session for young children with parents or caregivers.

Henry Hudson Planetarium

Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, Albany 434-0405 Thru Sat, Dec 19: Hudson 400: Star shows. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Interactive program explaining the stars and planets, including how Hudson used stars to sail to Albany in 1609; the earlier program is geared for children ages 3-7.

State Museum

Saratoga Springs ymcasaratoga.org/firstnight Thu, Dec 31: First Night Saratoga. 4:30 p.m.-midnight. The YMCA of Saratoga’s annual event welcomes the new year with more than 35 sites offering activities for the whole family: music, magic and more. Fireworks at midnight.

3140 Cultural Education Center, Madison Ave., Albany www.nysm.nysed.gov 474-5877 Thru Sat, Mar 20: Furry Tales and Touchables. 11 a.m. Children, ages 4-6, can touch real animal skins, bones and plants while listening to stories. Sat, Dec 19 - Sun, Mar 21: Family Fun Weekends. 1-4 p.m. Third weekend of every month. The museum offers family games, crafts and other theme-based activities. Sat, Dec 26 - Wed, Dec 30: Holiday Happenings. 1-4 p.m. Activities at various locations throughout the week.

The Egg

Washington Park

Downtown Saratoga Springs

Empire State Plaza, Albany theegg.org 473-1845 Sat, Dec 19: The Zucchini Brothers Holiday Show. 2 p.m. The trio performs their original holiday songs and favorites from their popular recordings for children.

Albany albanyevents.org Sat, Dec 19: Winterfest 2009. Noon-5 p.m. A holiday celebration with indoor and outdoor events including interactive games, music, live animals and a variety of family-friendly performances. The Kid’s Jingle Jog, Last Run 5K and fireworks will round out the day starting at 5 p.m. Visit http://active.com to register for the run.

Words & ideas Albany Institute of History & Art

125 Washington Ave., Albany albanyinstitute.org 463-4478 Saturdays and Sundays, Dec 12 - Dec 27: Gallery Talk. 2 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Exhibits include Hudson River Panorama: 400 Years of History, Art, and Culture.

Fuze Box

12 Central Ave., Albany myspace.com/theblackdooralbany Thru Fri, Dec 25: Vox: Poetry Open Mic. 8 p.m.; sign-up, 7:30 p.m. Hosted By poet R.M. Engelhardt; music by Dr. Sax.

Museums Berkshire Museum

39 South St., Pittsfield, Mass. berkshiremuseum.org 413-443-7171 Thru Sun, Jan 3: Festival of Trees. A not-to-be missed holiday celebration.

timesunion.com/explore

calendar dec »jan 2009 Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center

Broadway and Clinton Avenue, Albany albany.org 434-0405 Thru Sun, Jan 3: Art Meets History – Celebrating 400 Years. Presented by the Colonie Art League.

Albany Institute of History & Art

125 Washington Ave., Albany albanyinstitute.org 463-4478 Thru Thu, Dec 31: A Primrose Way: The Art of William H. Low. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Works by the Albany native, a muralist, painter, illustrator and writer. Thru Sun, Jan 3: Hudson 400: Hudson River Panorama — 400 Years of Historic Art and Culture. Yearlong exhibit commemorates Henry Hudson’s 1609 exploration of the river that bears his name and the narrative of the people, events and ideas that shaped the Capital Region. Exhibit features hundreds of artworks, artifacts and rare archival items from the institute’s collection.

Brookside Museum

6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa brooksidemuseum.org 885-4000 Thru Thu, Dec 31: On Gordon Creek: A History of Brookside. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

191 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs racingmuseum.org 584-0400 Thru Thu, Dec 31: Preserving Our Past. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring several paintings and trophies from the permanent collection.

Norman Rockwell Museum

Rte. 183, Stockbridge, Mass. 413-298-4100 nrm.org Thru May 31: Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera. Discover the fascinating parallel universe to Rockwell’s paintings in this collection of meticulously composed photographs that informed his art.

Rensselaer County Historical Society

57 Second St., Troy 272-7232 Thru Sat, Dec 19: Our Story. Women in the Capital Region describe their lives with photos and stories.

EXPLORE

Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium

15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady 382-7890 Thru Thu, Dec 31: Inside Out: MRI and You. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn about magnetism, hydrogen, and resonance, the three components of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Permanent. Thru Sun, Apr 11: All Aboard! The Power of Locomotives. See models created by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO), model trains dating back to the 1910s, and color and blackand-white photographs from the museum’s GE and ALCO photograph collections.

Skidmore College

North Broadway, Saratoga Springs www.skidmore.edu 580-8080 Thru Sun, Mar 14: Hudson 400: Lives of the Hudson. An interdisciplinary exhibition celebrating the river’s significance to American art, architecture, history and culture. Thru Sun, Jan 3: Arlene Shechet: Blow By Blow. Sculpture, works on paper and installation with Eastern and Western influences. Thru Sun, Jan 3: Nicole Eisenman: The Way We Weren’t. Installations, drawings, animations, and, with increasing focus, paintings.

Slate Valley Museum

17 Water St., Granville 642-1417 Thru Wed, Dec 30: Immigration As We See It: Rendered on Slate by Granville Central School District Students. 1-5 p.m. More than 135 works of art. All of the slates were donated by exhibit co-sponsor Sheldon Slate Products Company of Middle Granville. Thru Thu, Dec 31: Remembering: Folk Art of the Old Country. 1-5 p.m. An array of folk art and traditional crafts from the home countries of immigrant slate workers who came to the Slate Valley around the turn of the 20th century from Ireland, Italy, Poland, Slovakia and Wales.

State Museum

a.m.-5 p.m. Introducing visitors to information about Henry Hudson, Native People of New York, and the Dutch period in New York State. Thru Sun, Mar 14: This Great Nation Will Endure. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. A traveling exhibition from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, featuring more than 150 images of America taken between 1935 and 1942 by the legendary photographic unit of the Farm Security Administration (FSA).

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute

225 South St., Williamstown, Mass. clarkart.edu (413)458-2303 Thru Thu, Dec 31: Steps off the Beaten Path: Nineteenth Century Photographs of Rome and its Environs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibition features works by Vincenzo Carlo Domenico, Baldassarre Simelli, Gustave Eugene Chauffourier, A. De Bonis and Edmond Lebel. Thru Fri, Jan 8: Crow and Raven: Baskin, Hughes, Manet, Poe. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibit features two landmark publications, poet Stephane Mallarme and painter Edouard Manet’s “Le Corbeau” and artist Leonard Baskin and poet Ted Hughes’s work “Crow: From the Life and Songs of the Crow,” which celebrate a common subject: crows and ravens.

University at Albany

1400 Washington Ave., Albany 442-4035 Thru Sun, Dec 13: Uncharted. Featuring work by Radcliffe Bailey, Olaf Breuning, Anna Conway, Mark Essen, Adam Frelin, Valerie Hegarty, David Herbert, Emre Hüner, Matt Leines and Cameron Martin.

Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center

2 Museum Lane, Waterford waterfordmuseum.com 238-0809 Thru Thu, Apr 1: Making Waterford Our Home: Italians. This is the first of a three-part exhibit series that explores the lives of three different immigrant groups in Waterford: Italian Americans, French Canadian Americans and Irish Americans.

catch the hoLidaY sPirit at the berkshire Museum Festival of trees. Go to — photo CourtESy bErKShirE MuSEuM berkshiremuseum.org for details.

Galleries The Boght Arts Center 583 Boght Road, Colonie boghtarts.org 785ARTS Thru Thu, Dec 31: Shekhina Photography from actor/artist Leonard Nimoy, best known for his Mr. Spock character from Star Trek. In the Jewish tradition the word “Shekhina” means the feminine presence of God. This black and white series of semi-nude photos reveal Nimoy’s intrigue with scriptural mythology and ancient spirituality.

The College of Saint Rose 1002 Madison Ave., Albany 485-3900 Thru Sun, Jan 17: Poet of the Ordinary — Photographs by Keith Carter. Thru Mon, Dec 14: Graduate Installation: The Work of Jacqueline Weaver. An installation by Jacqueline Weaver, graduate student from the M.S. in Art Education program.

Eclipse Mill Gallery

243 Union St., North Adams, Mass. eclipsemill.com (413)664-9101 Thru Thu, Dec 31: Outsider Artist. Noon-6 p.m. Works by Ryan Cronin.

Hudson Valley Community College

Administration Building, 80 Vandenburgh Ave., Troy hvcc.edu 629-8006 Thru Sat, Dec 12: Is It Just Me? Fine Arts Department faculty members participating include Milt Conors, Tara Fracalossi, Kyra Garrigue, Richard Garrison, William Jaeger, Thomas Lail, Andrew Lynn, Jean O’Malley, Ryan Parr, Gail V. Roberts, Linda Ryder and Ann Wolf.

Opalka Gallery

Sage College of Albany, 140 New Scotland Ave., Albany sage.edu/sca/opalkagallery 292-7742 Thru Fri, Dec 11: Dona Ann McAdams: Some Women. Photographs exploring this artist’s deep interest in women,

which threads through all of her portfolios.

The Sanctuary for Independent Media

3361 Sixth Ave., Troy mediasanctuary.org 272-2390 Thru Sat, Dec 12: Evidence & Fantasy: Militarism in American Life. Photos by award-winning New York City documentary photographer Nina Berman.

Union College

Nott Memorial, Schenectady 388-6004 Thru Sun, Dec 20: Reimagining the Distaff Toolkit. A traveling exhibit curated by Rickie Solinger featuring 36 works by 28 contemporary artists.

Exhibit Spaces Downtown Albany

Albany Thru Fri, Apr 30: Sculpture in the Streets. The third annual effort

Proctors

is titled, “The Art of Discovery,” and is sponsored by Kivort Steel of Waterford.

432 State St., Schenectady proctors.org 346-6204 Sat, Jan 9: Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams. 5 p.m. Hudson Valley-based psychedelic folk rockers.

Saratoga National Historical Park

648 Route 32, Stillwater nps.gov/sara 664-9821 Thru Thu, Dec 31: Views from the Battlefield — Conserving Historic Landscapes. Thirty-five original paintings of landscapes in and around Saratoga Battlefield.

Times Union Center

51 S. Pearl St., Albany timesunion.com (800)303-8368 Sun, Jan 24: Jeff Dunham. 7:30 p.m. Identity Crisis Tour 2010.

january

Stage

Music

Capital Repertory Theatre

Classical Music Cathedral of All Saints

62 S. Swan St., Albany albanypromusica.org 438-6548 Sun, Jan 31: Albany Pro Musica. 3 p.m. Durufle Requiem with Orchestra Pro Musica and the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys.

Clayton A. Bouton High School

Voorheesville esyo.org Sat, Jan 30: Empire State Repertory Orchestra. 7 p.m.

Emma Willard School

285 Pawling Ave., Troy 273-8135 Sun, Jan 31: Ariel String Quartet. 4 p.m. “Discovery Concert” featuring works by Beethoven, Chendler and Brahms. Presented by the Friends of Chamber Music.

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

14 Castle St., Great Barrington, Mass. mahaiwe.org 413-528-0100 Sat, Jan 2: Famed pianist Emanuel Ax helps the theater in this gala benefit performance.

discover the music of beethoven, brahms and more when the Ariel String Quartet performs Jan. 31 at Emma — photo by susan wilson Willard School. Call 273-8135 for tickets. Sat, Jan 9: Metropolitan Opera presents Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier, live in HD. 1 p.m.

Palace Theatre

19 Clinton Ave., Albany palacealbany.com 465-4663 Sat, Jan 23: Albany Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. The ASO welcomes Benjamin Zander, visionary conductor, educator, and inspirational force, as guest conductor. The program features Strauss’ “Emperor” waltzes and Mahler’s Symphony No. 5. Sun, Jan 24: Albany Symphony Orchestra. 3 p.m. Sunday Symphonies for Family. “Mozart at the Opera,” is an interactive musical excursion for the whole family.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

30 Second St., Troy troymusichall.org 273-0038 Tue, Jan 12: Music at Noon: Frederic Hellwitz. Noon. Classical

guitar.

Union College

Union Street, Schenectady 388-6080 The following three events are all part of the college’s 38th International Festival of Chamber Music series: Sun, Jan 3: David Finckel, cello; Wu Han, piano. 3 p.m. Sun, Jan 17: Sophie Shao and Friends. 3 p.m. Sun, Jan 24: Brentano String Quartet. 3 p.m.

University at Albany

1400 Washington Ave., Albany 442-3997 Thu, Jan 14: The Michael Clement Professional Vocal Studio. 4 p.m. The young professional singers of accompanist and coach Michael Clement present a program of operatic arias, duets and trios. Thu, Jan 28: Beethoven Festival with Frank Glazer: All Beethoven Recital. 7:30 p.m. Celebrating his 95th year, this professor

emeritus of piano at the Eastman School of Music visits for his third residency.

WAMC Northeast Public Radio

339 Central Ave., Albany wamcarts.org 465-5233, Ext. 4 Sat, Jan 23: Willie Nile. 8 p.m. The songwriters’ songwriter performs.

Pop, Rock, Folk, Country and Jazz Music The Egg

Empire State Plaza, Albany theegg.org 473-1845 Fri, Jan 8: Crooked Still. 8 p.m. Led by the ethereal vocals of Aoife O’Donovan, Crooked Still plays improvised old time music, bluegrass, folk and original songs expanding the standard string band instrumentation of fiddle, banjo and bass by adding a cello into the mix.

Fri, Jan 22: DBR & The Mission. 8 p.m. Daniel Bernard Roumain, aka DBR, is a composer and violinist who creates innovative, thematic works inspired by European classical music, rock and hip-hop. The centerpiece of the concert will be A Civil Rights Reader — musical portraits of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Maya Angelou, and Rosa Parks — performed by Earl Maneein (violin), Jessie Reagen (cello), Matthew Szemela (violin), and Jon Weber (viola). Sat, Jan 23: Dan Zanes & Friends. 3 p.m. Handmade music filled with grooves drawn from a wealth of musical traditions and smart, inventive originals. Sun, Jan 24: Jorma Kaukonen and David Bromberg. 7:30 p.m. Two of America’s favorite guitarists play acoustic blues, folk and original music, performing both solo and together on stage. Sat, Jan 30: Al Di Meola’s World Sinfonia. 8 p.m. Jazz guitar master.

111 N. Pearl St., Albany capitalrep.org 462-4531 Thru Sun, Feb 7: Betrayal. Various times. Harold Pinter’s modern classic is a backward-told tale of a love triangle, adultery and, yes, betrayal.

Cohoes Music Hall

58 Remsen St., Cohoes cohoesmusichall.com 237-5858 Thu, Jan 14 - Sun, Jan 17: C-R Kids’ Footloose. 8 p.m. Students from throughout the Capital Region present the musical about a city boy who ventures into a small town where rock music and dancing have been banned.

The Colonial Theatre

111 South St., Pittsfield, Mass. (413)997-4444 Sat, Jan 30: Cabaret. 3 and 8 p.m. Kander & Ebb’s Tony-winning musical about the denizens of a pre-World War II nightclub in Berlin, based on the stories of Christopher Isherwood.

Curtain Call Theatre

210 Old Loudon Road, Latham 877-7529 Thru Sat, Jan 2: The Ladies Man. 7:30 p.m. George Feydeau’s farce about a married Parisian

calendar jan »feb 2009 physician who starts a web of lies to cover for his falling short in the bedroom. Thru Sat, Feb 13: Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Story. 8 p.m. Lauren Wilson’s comic retake on Robert Louis Stevenson’s two-faced horror classic, this time with a touch of Oscar Wilde, Mary Poppins and some Grand Guignol.

New York State Theatre Institute

Division Street, Troy nysti.org 274-3256 Fri, Jan 29 - Fri, Feb 12: Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. 8 p.m. Invited guests to a mansion on an isolated island suffer diminishing returns.

Proctors

432 State St., Schenectady proctors.org 346-6204 Thru Sun, Jan 3: Wicked. 8 p.m. The Tony Award-winning Broadway smash tells the story of the relationship between Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, based on the book by Albany native Gregory Maguire. Sat, Jan 9: The Aluminum Show. 2 and 8 p.m. Inanimate objects are brought to life, cold metal tubes are turned into warm and strange living creatures and Proctors becomes an alternative world where anything can happen. Tue, Jan 26 - Sun, Jan 31: Grease. 8 p.m. The Tony Awardnominated musical about bad boy Danny and girl next door Sandy’s romance to the tune of favorite songs: “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning, “We Go Together” and more.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

1851 15th St., Troy rpi.edu Sat, Jan 2 - Sun, Jan 3: Madeline’s Christmas. 2 and 7 p.m. The classic cartoon comes to life in this musical adaptation of the ever-popular children’s book. Presented by the RPI Young Actors Guild. Fri, Jan 8 - Sat, Jan 9: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. 7:30 p.m. Six kids and their parents learn about losing and winning in this one-act Tony Award-winning musical presented by the RPI Young Actors Guild.

EXPLORE

Schenectady Civic Playhouse

12 S. Church St., Schenectady 382-2081 Fri, Jan 29 - Sun, Feb 7: Beau Jest. 8 p.m. In James Sherman’s comedy, a young woman invents a boyfriend to stop her mother from fixing her up with “nice Jewish boys,” but soon comes up with the real thing when her parents want to meet him.

Steamer No. 10 Theatre

500 Western Ave., Albany steamer10theatre.org 438-5503 Sat, Jan 16 - Sun, Jan 31: Charlotte’s Web. 3 p.m. Ric Chesser adapts E.B. White’s children’s classic about a young girl, the title spider and some pig named Wilbur.

Comedy Proctors

432 State St., Schenectady proctors.org 346-6204 Fri, Jan 15: Rocky LaPorte. 7:30 p.m. Italian comedy night.

Family Fun State Museum

Empire State Plaza at Madison Avenue, Albany www.nysm.nysed.gov 474-5877 Thru Fri, Mar 5: Story Art. 11 a.m. Toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers are welcome to join storytelling and exploring exhibits. Themes will be announced on the day of the program. Thru Sat, Mar 20: Furry Tales and Touchables. 11 a.m. Children ages 4-6 can touch real animal skins, bones and plants while listening to stories. Thru Sun, Mar 21: Family Fun Weekends. 1-4 p.m. Third weekend of every month. The museum offers family games, crafts and other theme-based activities. Sat, Jan 16: Hudson River Valley History Day. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn about the American Indians of the Hudson Valley and the explorers who traveled up the river. Hear stories of families who settled in the valley and the artists who captured the beauty.

The Egg

Empire State Plaza, Albany theegg.org 473-1845 Thu, Jan 21: Strega Nona. 10:15 a.m. Based on the children’s books by Tomie dePaola, Active Arts Theatre for Young People performs the musical tale of a friendly magical witch who strives to cure the ills of her tiny Italian town of Calabria. For school groups.

Series Lecture. 1 p.m. Union College professor Josef Schmee discusses Bizet’s Carmen.

University at Albany

1400 Washington Ave., Albany 442-3997 Fri, Jan 29 and Sat, Jan 30: Beethoven Festival with Frank Glazer. Lecture on “Unique Features of Beethoven’s 32 Sonatas,” 7:30 p.m. Friday; Master Class for the

Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center

Broadway and Clinton Avenue, Albany albany.org 434-0405 Thru Sun, Jan 3: Art Meets History – Celebrating 400 Years. Presented by the Colonie Art League.

Norman Rockwell Museum

Washington Park

Albany albanycapitalholidaylights.com 435-0392 Thru Sat, Jan 2: 13th Annual Hannaford Capital Holiday Lights in the Park. 6-9 p.m. The holiday tradition features more than 125 twinkling light displays and scenes throughout the park, plus crafts, refreshments, costumed characters and more at the Lakehouse. Proceeds benefit the juvenile crime prevention programs of the Albany Police Athletic League.

Fairs & Festivals Downtown Albany

Albany albanywinefest.com Thu, Jan 7: Wine & Dine for the Arts Winemakers Dinner. 6-9:30 p.m. The event is hosted at 10 Albany restaurants to benefit Capital Repertory Theatre.

Saratoga National Historical Park

648 Route 32, Stillwater nps.gov/sara 664-9821 Sat, Jan 23: Frost Faire ‘10. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Winter time family fun, past and present.

Words & Ideas Proctors

432 State St., Schenectady proctors.org 346-6204 Fri, Jan 22: Lisa Williams. 8 p.m. Internationally acclaimed medium and clairvoyant.

Siena College

Route 9, Loudonville siena.edu Sun, Jan 3: Siena College Opera

see the Photos behind the PaintinGs. pictured here are images for norman rockwell’s “the Gossips,” 1948. photo by Gene pelham. photo montage created by ron Schick. — liCEnSED by norMAn roCKWEll liCEnSinG, nilES, il. FroM thE pErMAnEnt CollECtion oF norMAn roCKWEll MuSEuM

University and Community, 10 a.m. Saturday. Celebrating his 95th year, this Professor Emeritus of Piano at the Eastman School of Music visits for his third residency.

Museums Berkshire Museum

39 South St., Pittsfield, Mass. berkshiremuseum.org 413-443-7171 Thru Sun, Jan 3: Festival of Trees. A not-to-be missed holiday celebration.

Albany Institute of History & Art

125 Washington Ave., Albany albanyinstitute.org 463-4478 Thru Sun, Jan 3: Hudson 400: Hudson River Panorama — 400 Years of Historic Art and Culture. Yearlong exhibit commemorates Henry Hudson’s 1609 exploration of the river that bears his name and the narrative of the people, events and ideas that shaped the Capital Region. Exhibit features hundreds of artworks, artifacts and rare archival items from the institute’s collection.

Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium

15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady schenectadymuseum.org 382-7890 Thru Sun, Apr 11: All Aboard! The Power of Locomotives. See models created by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO), model trains dating back to the 1910s, and color and blackand-white photographs from the museum’s GE and ALCO photograph collections.

Skidmore College

State Museum

Empire State Plaza at Madison Avenue, Albany www.nysm.nysed.gov 474-5877 Sat, Jan 5 - Wed, Jun 30: Art for the People: Decorated Stoneware from the Weitsman Collection. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Thru Sun, Mar 7: 1609. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Introducing visitors to information about Henry Hudson, Native People of New York, and the Dutch period in New York State. Thru Sun, Mar 14: This Great Nation Will Endure. 9:30 a.m.5 p.m. A traveling exhibition from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, featuring more than 150 images of America taken between 1935 and 1942 by the legendary photographic unit of the Farm Security Administration (FSA).

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute

225 South St., Williamstown, Mass. clarkart.edu (413)458-2303 Thru Sun, Jan 3: Steps off the Beaten Path: NineteenthCentury Photographs of Rome and its Environs. The exhibition

encourages a “walking tour” through Rome with recognizable sites among the out-of-theway scenes that nineteenthcentury Romans and Europeans encountered in their daily lives. Thru Fri, Jan 8: Crow and Raven: Baskin, Hughes, Manet, Poe. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibit features two landmark publications, poet Stephane Mallarme and painter Edouard Manet’s “Le Corbeau” and artist Leonard Baskin and poet Ted Hughes’s work “Crow: From the Life and Songs of the Crow,” which celebrates a common subject: crows and ravens.

Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center

Galleries The College of Saint Rose

1002 Madison Ave., Albany 485-3900 Thru Sun, Jan 17: Poet of the Ordinary — Photographs by Keith Carter. Sun, Jan 31: Drawn to Light: Recent Paintings by Larry Poons. All day event. One of America’s pre-eminent artists, Larry Poons embraces the chromatic worlds of music and color, creating a visual and emotional environment ripe with gesture, raw energy and improvisation. The artist was born in Tokyo in 1937 and was raised in New York.

Exhibit Spaces Downtown Albany

Albany Thru Fri, Apr 30: Sculpture in the Streets. The third annual effort is titled “The Art of Discovery” and is sponsored by Kivort Steel of Waterford.

february

Music Classical Music Bethlehem Public Library

451 Delaware Ave., Delmar bethlehempubliclibrary.org 439-9314 Sun, Feb 14: “A Little Sunday Music.” 2 p.m. Barbara Eckhaus and Friends perform romantic songs from opera and theater.

Canfield Casino

Congress Park, Saratoga Springs albanysymphony.com 465-4755 Thu, Feb 25: Albany Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. “An Evening with the Radiant Parnas Sisters” includes works by Vivaldi, SaintSaens and Beethoven.

The College of Saint Rose

1002 Madison Ave., Albany 454-5178 Tue, Feb 23: Saint Rose Orchestra Concert. 7:30 p.m. Presented by the music department. Thu, Feb 25: Saint Rose Wind Ensemble Concert. 8 p.m. Presented by the music department.

Crossgates Mall

1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany esyo.org Sat, Feb 6: Empire State Youth Orchestra. 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

The annual “Playathon” features all ESYO ensembles.

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

14 Castle St., Great Barrington, Mass. mahaiwe.org 413-528-0100 Sat, Feb. 6: Metropolitan Opera presents Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra, live in HD. 1 p.m.

Proctors

432 State St., Schenectady proctors.org 346-6204 Fri, Feb 5: The King’s Singers. 8 p.m. 2009 Grammy Award-winning a cappella group.

Taylor Auditorium/SCCC

381-1250 Wed, Feb 10: Chamber Series Concert. 7:30 p.m. Features works by Copland, Wagner and McGlaughin.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

30 Second St., Troy troymusichall.org 273-0038 Thu, Feb 11: Troy Chromatics Concerts Presents: Berlin Philarmonic Wind Quartet. 8 p.m. Program includes music by Pilss, Schuller, Hindemith, Barber and Nielsen. Fri, Feb 26: Albany Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. “An Evening with the Radiant Parnas Sisters” includes works by Vivaldi, SaintSaens and Beethoven. Sun, Feb 28: Albany Pro Musica. 4 p.m. Performing as part of the High School Choral Festival.

Union College

Union Street, Schenectady 388-6080 The following four events are all part of the college’s 38th International Festival of Chamber Music series: Sun, Feb 14: Pei-Yao Wang, piano, and Friends. 3 p.m.

Sun, Feb 21: Chamber Concert Series. 3 p.m. Trio Cavatina with mezzo-soprano Tamara Mumford. Sun, Feb 21: Trio Cavatina with mezzo-soprano Tamara Mumford. 3 p.m. Fri, Feb 26: Musicians from Marlboro. 8 p.m.

Pop, Rock, Folk, Country and Jazz Music The College of Saint Rose

1002 Madison Ave., Albany 454-5102 Sun, Feb 21: Saint Rose Jazz Ensemble/Jazz Guitar Ensemble Concert. 2 p.m. Presented by the music department.

The Egg

Empire State Plaza, Albany theegg.org 473-1845 Sun, Feb 14: Jane Monheit. 7:30 p.m. Romantic jazz vocals and swings standards.

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

14 Castle St., Great Barrington, Mass. mahaiwe.org 413-528-0100 Sun, Feb 7: Grammy Award-winning a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs. 3 p.m. Sat, Feb 27: Celebrate all things Celtic with this performance by the all-female collective Cherish the Ladies. 7 p.m.

Old Songs

37 S. Main St., Voorheesville oldsongs.org 765-2815 Sat, Feb 27: Sarah McQuaid. 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Palace Theatre

19 Clinton Ave., Albany palacealbany.com 465-4663 Sat, Feb 20: The Pink Floyd Experience. 7:30 p.m.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

30 Second St., Troy troymusichall.org 273-0038 Wed, Feb 3: Marc Cohn & Suzanne Vega. 8 p.m. The two contemporary singer/songwriters and masterful storytellers share the stage. Tue, Feb 9: Music at Noon: Annie & the Hedonists. Noon. Eclectic mix of acoustic folk, torchy blues and bluegrass. Fri, Feb 12: Jim Brickman. 8 p.m. The contemporary instrumental hit maker’s signature style of romantic piano and song-writing has brought him six Gold and Platinum selling albums, 26 charted adult radio hits and a Grammy nod. Sat, Feb 20: Tommy Emmanuel. 8 p.m. Guitar wizard. Sat, Feb 27: David Grisman Quintet. 8 p.m. A performance from the artist known far and wide for his “dawg” music — a highly intricate, harmonically advanced hybrid of so many different stylistic influences (swing, bluegrass, Latin, jazz, Gypsy).

Stage Albany Civic Theater

235 Second Ave., Albany albanycivictheater.org 462-1297 Fri, Feb 12 - Sun, Feb 28: The Merchant of Venice. 8 p.m. In Shakespeare’s 16th-century “comedy,” a merchant must default on a large loan from an abused Jewish moneylender for a friend with romantic ambitions, and the vengeful creditor demands a gruesome payment. Preview, Feb. 11.

Capital Repertory Theatre 111 N. Pearl St., Albany capitalrep.org 462-4531 Thru Sun, Feb 7: Betrayal. 7:30

calendar feb »mar 2009 p.m. Harold Pinter’s modern classic is a backward-told tale of a love triangle, adultery and, yes, betrayal. Fri, Feb 26 - Sun, Mar 28: To Kill a Mockingbird. 7:30 p.m. Christopher Sergel’s new adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a small-town lawyer in 1930s Georgia who defends a black man accused of raping a white woman, as told through the eyes of the lawyer’s young daughter. Preview, Feb. 25.

Cohoes Music Hall

58 Remsen St., Cohoes cohoesmusichall.com 237-5858 Thu, Feb 18 - Sun, Feb 28: The Mikado. 8 p.m. Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic opera about hapless lovers mercilessly buffeted by social restrictions, legal inconsistencies, judicial inequities, government stupidities…and that’s just the first act.

The Colonial Theatre

111 South St., Pittsfield, Mass. (413)997-4444 Sat, Feb 6: Mike Dugan’s “Men Fake Foreplay.” 8 p.m. A pointed commentary on relationships and the battle of the sexes. Fri, Feb 12: Romeo & Juliet. 8 p.m. The Acting Company and The Guthrie Theater present Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers.

Curtain Call Theatre

210 Old Loudon Road, Latham 877-7529 Thru Sat, Feb 13: Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Story. 8 p.m. Lauren Wilson’s comic retake on Robert Louis Stevenson’s two-faced horror classic, this time with a touch of Oscar Wilde, Mary Poppins and some Grand Guignol. Fri, Feb 26 - Sat, Mar 27: The Miracle Worker. 8 p.m. William Gibson’s Tony-winning play about the relationship between Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan.

Home Made Theater

Spa Little Theater, Saratoga Springs homemadetheater.org 587-4427 Fri, Feb 12 - Sun, Feb 28: Death Trap. 8:15 p.m. In Ira Levin’s thriller, a playwright plots murder to steal a student’s script.

Hudson Valley Community College

Siek Campus Center, Troy hvcc.edu 629-8071 Thu, Feb 18: Hamlet. Noon. During

EXPLORE

a weeklong residency on campus, Feb. 15-19, Shakespeare and Co. presents William Shakespeare’s tale of political intrigue, betrayal and vengeance set against ancient Rome.

New York State Theatre Institute

Division Street, Troy nysti.org 274-3256 Thru Fri, Feb 12: Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. 8 p.m. Invited guests to a mansion on an isolated island suffer diminishing returns.

Proctors

432 State St., Schenectady proctors.org 346-6204 Sat, Feb 6: An Evening with Patti Lupone and Mandy Patinkin. 8 p.m. The Tony Award-winning virtuosos (and lifelong friends) reunite for the first time since Evita, for a musical love story told through a masterful selection of the greatest songs ever written for the stage. Tue, Feb 16 - Sun, Feb 21: Spring Awakening. 8 p.m. The Tony Award-

winning musical celebrating the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood.

Schenectady Civic Playhouse

12 S. Church St., Schenectady 382-2081 Thru Sun, Feb 7: Beau Jest. 8 p.m. In James Sherman’s comedy, a young woman invents a boyfriend to stop her mother from fixing her up with “nice Jewish boys,” but soon comes up with the real thing when her parents want to meet him.

Steamer No. 10 Theatre

500 Western Ave., Albany steamer10theatre.org 438-5503 Fri, Feb 5 - Sun, Feb 7: Under Milkwood. 8 p.m. Theater Voices puts on a staged reading of Dylan Thomas’ lyrical piece about a day in the life of a Welsh fishing village and its residents.

University at Albany

1400 Washington Ave., Albany 442-3997 Thu, Feb 18 - Sun, Feb 21: 10 for 2010: Celebrating 100 Years of History. 8 p.m. Celebrating

the centennial anniversary of theatrical productions at UAlbany, the Department of Theatre invites you to journey through the last one hundred years of performances.

Comedy Proctors

432 State St., Schenectady proctors.org 346-6204 Sat, Feb 6: The Irish Comedy Tour. 8 p.m. The tour takes the party atmosphere of a Dublin pub and combines it with a boisterous, belly-laugh trio.

Family Fun State Museum

Empire State Plaza at Madison Avenue, Albany www.nysm.nysed.gov 474-5877 Thru Fri, Mar 5: Story Art. 11 a.m.

broadWaY comes to Proctors: patti lupone and Mandy patinkin reunite on Feb. 6. — photo by briGittE lACoMbE Go to proctors.org for tickets.

Toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers, are welcome to join storytelling and exploring exhibits. Themes will be announced on the day of the program. Thru Sat, Mar 20: Furry Tales and Touchables. 11 a.m. Children ages 4-6 can touch real animal skins, bones and plants while listening to stories. Fri, Feb 19 - Sun, Feb 21: New York in Bloom. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Experience the sights and scents of the approaching spring during this fundraising weekend benefiting the Museum Club and the Discovery Squad. Admission fee includes entrance to 17th annual James Campbell Memorial Gem Show. Sat, Feb 20 - Sun, Feb 21: 17th annual James Campbell Memorial Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show and Sale. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Vendors from throughout the Northeast display gems, jewelry, minerals, lapidary equipment, fossils and more; also guided tours. Admission fee includes entrance to all New York in Bloom events.

Words & Ideas The College of Saint Rose

1002 Madison Ave., Albany 485-3902 Fri, Feb 5: Drawn to Light: Recent Paintings by Larry Poons Reception. 5 p.m. Presented by the art department. Fri, Feb 5: Larry Poons lecture. 7 p.m. Presented by the art department.

RPI

Winslow Building, 110 8th St., Troy rpi.edu 276-3921 Wed, Feb 10: “Mathematics As Poetic Enchantment.” 7 p.m. A dinner and discussion with Margaret Wertheim, science writer and curator, where she will present her work with the Institute For Fighting in Los Angeles. Subjects will include mathematical origami, non-Euclidean geometry, symmetry groups and logic.

Siena College

Route 9, Loudonville siena.edu Sun, Feb 7: Siena College Opera Series Lecture. 1 p.m. Union College professor Josef Schmee discusses Puccini’s “Tosca.” Sun, Feb 28 - Mon, Feb 7: Siena

College Opera Series Lecture. 1 p.m. Prof. Anne Z. Turner, senior artist-in-residence at Skidmore College presents a live demonstration and voice lesson.

State Museum

Empire State Plaza at Madison Avenue, Albany www.nysm.nysed.gov 474-5877 Sat, Feb 13: 1609 Gallery Tour. 1 p.m. Michelle Stefanik, senior exhibition planner, will talk about Henry Hudson and his crew’s exploration of the river 400 years ago.

Museums Norman Rockwell Museum

Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium

Skidmore College

Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs www.skidmore.edu 580-8080 Thru Sun, Mar 14: Hudson 400: Lives of the Hudson. An interdisciplinary exhibition celebrating the river’s significance to American art, architecture, history and culture.

State Museum

Empire State Plaza at Madison Avenue, Albany www.nysm.nysed.gov 474-5877 Thru Wed, Jun 30: Art for the People: Decorated Stoneware from the Weitsman Collection. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Thru Sun, Mar 7: 1609. 9:30 a.m.5 p.m. Introducing visitors to information about Henry Hudson, Native People of New York, and the Dutch period in New York State. Thru Sun, Mar 14: This Great Nation Will Endure. 9:30 a.m.5 p.m. A traveling exhibition from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park featuring more than 150 images of America, taken between 1935 and 1942 by the legendary photographic unit of the Farm Security Administration (FSA).

Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center

Exhibit Spaces Downtown Albany

Albany Thru Fri, Apr 30: Sculpture in the Streets. The third annual effort is titled “The Art of Discovery” and is sponsored by Kivort Steel of Waterford.

Skidmore College

North Broadway, Saratoga Springs www.skidmore.edu 580-5000 Tue, Feb 9: Schick Reception: 2010 student exhibition. 5:307:30 p.m. Guest juror for this year’s Skidmore Student Exhibition is New York City artist Dawn Clements. She will select a number of works in a variety of media that were completed by Skidmore students during 2009.

march

Music Classical Music Bethlehem Public Library

451 Delaware Ave., Delmar bethlehempubliclibrary.org 439-9314 Sun, Mar 7: “A Little Sunday Music.” 2 p.m. Featuring Bien

Baez, mezzo-soprano, performing Spanish art songs and arias.

The College of Saint Rose

1002 Madison Ave., Albany esyo.org Sun, Mar 14: Empire State Youth Orchestra. 3 p.m. Empire State String Ensemble and Empire State Jazz Ensemble 2.

Emma Willard School

285 Pawling Ave., Troy 273-8135 Fri, Mar 19: Cypress String Quartete. 8 p.m. Works by Hadyn, Barber, Puts and Beethoven. Presented by the Friends of Chamber Music.

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

14 Castle St., Great Barrington, Mass. mahaiwe.org 413-528-0100 Sat, Mar 27: Metropolitan Opera presents Thomas’s Hamlet, live in HD. 1 p.m.

Palace Theatre

19 Clinton Ave., Albany palacealbany.com 465-4663 Sun, Mar 7: Albany Symphony Orchestra. 3 p.m. Sunday Symphonies for Family, “Compose Yourself with Cowboy Dave,” is an interactive musical excursion for the whole family.

Proctors

432 State St., Schenectady proctors.org 346-6204 Sun, Mar 21: Schenectady Symphony Orchestra. 3 p.m. “Music We Love,” featuring the music that audiences around the world know and love best.

Skidmore College

Saratoga www.skidmore.edu 580-5000 Sat, Mar 6: Skidmore College Orchestra. 8 p.m. Skidmore College Orchestra, with guest Musical Director Charles Schneider of the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra.

Taylor Auditorium/SCCC

Schenectady 381-1250 Mon, Mar 22: Chamber Series Concert: Adirondack Saxophone Quartet. 7:30 p.m. Music by Wery/ Evan Duo.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

30 Second St., Troy troymusichall.org 273-0038 Tue, Mar 9: Findlay Cockrell. Noon. The pianist performs “A Chopin

200th Birthday Celebration.” Fri, Mar 26: Albany Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. “An Evening With John Harbison and Friends” welcomes the leading composer for a program of works by Copland, Harbison, Timothy Andres and Haydn.

Union College

Union Street, Schenectady 388-6080 Sun, Mar 28: Brooklyn Rider String Quartet. 3 p.m. Part of the college’s 38th International Festival of Chamber Music series.

University at Albany

1400 Washington Ave., Albany 442-3997 Sun, May 2: University Symphony Orchestra. 3 p.m. A group of students, faculty and community musicians under the direction of conductor Chris Neubert present symphonic favorites. Mon, Mar 1: Celebrating Chopin’s Bicentennial. 7:30 p.m. Now in its third season in residence at UAlbany, the Capital Trio celebrates Chopin’s 200th birthday by performing his early and virtuosic Piano Trio, Op. 8 as well as his last published work, the great Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 65. Thu, Mar 4: Festival of Contemporary Music. 7 p.m. This concert of percussion music emphasizes contemporary and recent works featuring the University Percussion Ensemble and two youth ensembles. Fri, Mar 5: Don Giovanni. 7 p.m. Sung in Italian, Capital Opera’s fully-staged performance of Mozart’s much-loved opera features Ivan Amaro, Rosa Tulyaganova, Richard Mazzaferro, Kara Cornell, Vedrana Kalas and Andy Truex. . Mon, Mar 8: University Concert Band. 7:30 p.m. This ensemble of brass, woodwinds and percussion performs several selections covering a wide variety of band literature. Fri, Mar 12: Emalie Savoy. 7 p.m. Capital Region born and bred, this young soprano of the Juilliard School of Music Graduate Voice program performs a variety of works from the song and operatic repertory. Wed, Mar 24: An Evening of Opera Scenes and Chamber Music. 7 p.m. A performance by the voice and instrumental students of the Music Department.

Pop, Rock, Folk, Country and Jazz Music

de-hi’s” and “ho-de-ho’s” forged a successful fusion of classic American sounds from jazz, swing, Dixieland and big-band music.

The Egg

Empire State Plaza, Albany theegg.org 473-1845 Thu, Mar 11: Donnybrook Fair. 7:30 p.m. A reunion of the Capital Region’s first and foremost Celtic music ensemble, featuring original members Kevin McKrell, Jeff Strange and Dave McDonnell. Fri, Mar 19: Shawn Colvin. 8 p.m. The three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter performs her insightful and compelling original songs along with fresh takes on a variety of cover tunes in this intimate, solo concert.

Palace Theatre

19 Clinton Ave., Albany palacealbany.com 465-4663 Sun, Mar 14: Dublin’s Traditional Irish Cabaret. 5 p.m. A celebration of Irish music, laughter, song and dance.

Proctors

432 State St., Schenectady proctors.org 346-6204 Sat, Mar 6: Richie Havens. 5:05 p.m. Folk legend. Sat, Mar 27: Sixties Spectacular. 7:30 p.m. Starring Peter Noone/ Herman’s Hermits (“Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” “I’m Henry VIII, I Am”), Davy Jones of The Monkees (“Daydream Believer,” “I’m a Believer”), The Grass Roots starring Rob Grill (“Midnight Confession,” “Temptation Eyes”).

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

30 Second St., Troy troymusichall.org 273-0038 Fri, Mar 12: Altan. 8 p.m. With its dynamic live performances and award-winning recordings, the group is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Sun, Mar 14: Sisters in Soul with Marcia Ball, Bettye Lavette and Maria Muldaur. 7 p.m. A night of powerhouse soul from three greats in the industry. Fri, Mar 19: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: A Tribute to Cab Calloway. 8 p.m. Calloway was a legendary fireball of talent, whose infectious “hi-

ROCK ON: The 17th annual James Campbell Memorial Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show and Sale takes place at the New York — photo courtesy NYS museum State Museum Feb. 20-21.

Stage Capital Repertory Theatre

111 N. Pearl St., Albany capitalrep.org 462-4531 Thru Sun, Mar 28: To Kill a Mockingbird. 7:30 p.m. Christopher Sergel’s new adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning

novel about a small-town lawyer in 1930s Georgia who defends a black man accused of raping a white woman, as told through the eyes of the lawyer’s young daughter.

The Colonial Theatre

111 South St., Pittsfield, Mass. (413)997-4444 Tue, Mar 2 - Wed, Mar 3: The Wedding Singer. 7:30 p.m. The only Adam Sandler movie to ever become a Tony-nominated Broadway musical. Sat, Mar 6: The Mikado. 3 and 8 p.m. Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic

calendar march 2009 opera about hapless lovers mercilessly buffeted by social restrictions, legal inconsistencies, judicial inequities, government stupidities…and that’s just the first act.

Curtain Call Theatre

210 Old Loudon Road, Latham 877-7529 Thru Sat, Mar 27: The Miracle Worker. 8 p.m. William Gibson’s Tony-winning play about the relationship between Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan.

New York State Theatre Institute

Division Street, Troy nysti.org 274-3256 Fri, Mar 12 - Wed, Mar 24: Romeo & Juliet. 8 p.m. Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers.

Proctors

432 State St., Schenectady proctors.org 346-6204 Fri, Mar 5: Girls Night, the Musical. 8 p.m. Five friends re-live their past, celebrate their present and look to the future on a wild and hilarious karaoke night out. Sat, Mar 13 - Sun, Mar 14: Annie. 3 and 8 p.m. The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie boasts one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.” and the ever-optimistic “Tomorrow.” Tue, Mar 16 - Sun, Mar 21: Late Nite Catechism. 7:30 p.m. An outlandishly funny interactive play that takes the audience back to their youth. The irrepressible “Sister” teaches her roomful of students (you and your friends). So, will you win the glow-in-thedark rosaries or find yourself, punished, sitting in a corner?

Schenectady Civic Playhouse

12 S. Church St., Schenectady 382-2081 Fri, Mar 19 - Sun, Mar 28: An Ideal Husband. 8 p.m. Oscar Wilde’s satire about a rising politician who is blackmailed by a woman with information on his past misdeeds, and the charming rogue of a friend he enlists to help him.

Schenectady Light Opera Company

826 State St., Schenectady (877)350-7378 Fri, Mar 5 - Sun, Mar 14: Side By Side By Sondheim. 8 p.m. A

musical revue featuring the songs of prolific Broadway and film composer Stephen Sondheim.

Steamer No. 10 Theatre

500 Western Ave., Albany steamer10theatre.org 438-5503 Sat, Mar 6 - Sun, Mar 21: Rumpelstiltskin. 3 p.m. Ric Chesser (again!) adapts the ageold tale of a miller’s daughter spinning straw into gold and the diminutive fellow with the long name who threatens her. Fri, Mar 26 - Sun, Mar 28: Lost in Yonkers. 8 p.m. Theater Voices puts on a staged reading of Neil Simon’s autobiographical comedydrama about two teenage brothers living with their grandmother and out-there aunt.

University at Albany

1400 Washington Ave., Albany 442-3997 Fri, Mar 12 - Sun, Mar 14: Plays in Process. 8 p.m. This play development lab provides student playwrights the opportunity to develop their plays with actors and directors, culminating in a staged reading. Thu, Mar 18: Three Cups of Tea. 7:30 p.m. American Place Theatre presents a one-person theatrical adaptation of the inspiring true story of Greg Mortenson’s journey that led him from a failed 1993 attempt to climb Pakistan’s K2, the world’s second highest mountain, to successfully establish schools in some of the most remote regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Comedy Proctors

432 State St., Schenectady proctors.org 346-6204 Sat, Mar 6: Bill Cosby. 7 and 9:30 p.m. A stand-up routine from the comedy icon best known as the star and producer of The Cosby Show. His lifelong contributions to American culture were recognized with a Kennedy Center Honor in 1998 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in July 2002, America’s highest civilian honor. Sat, Mar 27: Bobby Collins. 7 and 9:30 p.m.

LauGh riot: bill Cosby comes to proctors Mar. 6. Go to — photo CourtESy proCtorS proctors.org for tickets.

EXPLORE

Family Fun Proctors

432 State St., Schenectady proctors.org 346-6204 Sun, Mar 7 - Mon, Mar 8: Fenimore Family Series “The Little Mermaid.” 2 p.m. Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale of Mera, The Little Mermaid, is brought to life in this musical adaptation in which Mera and her underwater friends splash onto the stage with fresh songs, exciting dances and beautiful effects. Appropriate for pre-school to second grade. Wed, Mar 17: Fenimore Family Series “The Magic of Lyn.” 7 p.m. Illusionist Lyn Dillies, Parent’s Choice Award winner, will mesmerize with illusions and all the glitz and glamour of Vegas; appropriate for all ages.

State Museum

Empire State Plaza at Madison Avenue, Albany www.nysm.nysed.gov 474-5877 Thru Fri, Mar 5: Story Art. 11 a.m. Toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers, are welcome to join storytelling and exploring exhibits.

Themes will be announced on the day of the program. Thru Sat, Mar 20: Furry Tales and Touchables. 11 a.m. Children ages 4-6 can touch real animal skins, bones and plants while listening to stories. Thru Sun, Mar 21: Family Fun Weekends. 1-4 p.m. Third weekend of every month. The museum offers family games, crafts and other theme-based activities.

Words & Ideas Hudson Valley Community College

80 Vandenburgh Ave., Troy hvcc.edu 629-8071 Wed, Mar 10: The St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project. Noon. Claire Puccia Parham discusses one of the greatest construction projects.

Siena College

515 Loudon Road (Route 9), Loudonville sienaopera.org 783-2363 Thru Mon, Feb 7: Siena College

Opera Series Lecture. 1 p.m. Prof. Anne Z. Turner, senior artist-inresidence at Skidmore College presents a live demonstration and voice lesson.

Skidmore College

815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs www.skidmore.edu 580-5000 Tue, Mar 23 - Wed, Mar 24: F. William Harder Endowed Lecture. 5:30-7 p.m. Cynthia Carroll will speak. Sponsored by the Alumni Affairs and Business Department.

University at Albany

1400 Washington Ave., Albany 442-3997 Thu, Mar 11: “The Singer’s Life” with Emalie Savoy. 7 p.m. In an “Inside the Actors Studio” format, UAlbany’s voice coach Frances Wittmann interviews this up-andcoming soprano discussing the young singer’s life, achievements and career demands.

Museums Norman Rockwell Museum

Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium

Skidmore College

State Museum

Empire State Plaza at Madison Avenue, Albany www.nysm.nysed.gov 474-5877 Thru Wed, Jun 30: Art for the People: Decorated Stoneware from the Weitsman Collection. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Thru Sun, Mar 7: 1609. 9:30 a.m.5 p.m. Introducing visitors to information about Henry Hudson, Native People of New York, and the Dutch period in New York State. Thru Sun, Mar 14: This Great Nation Will Endure. 9:30 a.m.5 p.m. A traveling exhibition from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park featuring more than 150 images of America, taken between 1935 and 1942 by the legendary photographic unit of the Farm Security Administration (FSA).

Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center

Exhibit Spaces Downtown Albany

Albany Thru Fri, Apr 30: Sculpture in the Streets. The third annual effort is titled “The Art of Discovery” and is sponsored by Kivort Steel of Waterford.

Listings compiled by the News & Information Services Department staff: Shannon Fromma, CJ Lais, Adrienne Freeman, Jennifer Paterson, Azra Haqqie and Bebe Nyquist. To submit listings, send information to tucalendar@timesunion.com. Calendars are compiled about 6 weeks before delivery, which is the first Sunday of April, June, September and December. To view a complete list of events, go to www.timesunion.com/ calendar. For more information call 454-5420.

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our backyard by jessica maher

hen we think about spending a day exploring, we often picture packing our bags and taking a trip — whether it be to a tropical island or to locales within the Northeast. We tend to ignore the vast beauty and wide

spectrum of activities that abound right here in the Capital Region. In every issue of EXPLORE, we will bring you a list of things you might never have thought to do with your family and friends…right here in Our Backyard.

Extra Innings, Ballston Spa

In upstate New York, there are some things that you just can’t do during the winter. Baseball, surprisingly, isn’t one of them. No, you won’t be digging up dirt with your cleats or swatting flies in the outfield, but at Extra Innings you’ll come close to the real thing. While the baseball or softball enthusiast in your life is certain to appreciate this outing, you may discover for yourself that some time in the batting cage can be both fun and physically invigorating. The cages are exactly as they sound: fenced-in spaces with a 35-foot ceiling, the batter at one end and pitching machine at the other. You can set up portable equipment and practice hitting or catching in 13 multi-purpose tunnels or try out one of the four automated batting cages. All are easy to use, and batters can choose from a variety of pitching speeds and heights. It’s perfect for a player seeking out-of-season practice or anyone looking to swing away some frustration. For a competitive edge, put each member of the family in a cage and see who hits the most home runs. When and Where: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Extra Innings is open year-round, and is easy to find off Interstate 87 exit 12, at 1 McCrea Hill Road in Ballston Spa. The facility also includes a retail store with a wide selection of equipment and apparel. For more information about events and clinics, visit www.extrainnings-saratoga.com. plAnEtAriuM AnD Moon roCKS photoS CourtESy AlbAny County ConVEntion & ViSitorS burEAu

Henry Hudson Planetarium, Albany

The weather may be a little cold for all but the heartiest of outside stargazers, but that’s no reason to miss out on what’s going on in the night sky this winter. The Henry Hudson Planetarium in Albany, an official NASA Space Place, is the perfect destination for a cozy indoor family outing. The planetarium, which is located at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, annually hosts a number of educational and special event programs exploring astronomy, history, arts and science. Planetarium programs are a three-dimensional interactive experience supported by audio-visual presentations. Be sure to check out one of the monthly interactive star sighting shows. When: Public planetarium programs are offered the third Saturday of every month at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The morning show is appropriate for children ages 3-7 and their families. The afternoon show is an Albany Star Sighting program appropriate for sky watchers and want-to-be sky watchers ages 8 and older. For more information, call 518-434-0405 or head to www.albany.org.

EXPLORE

Get Independent at Spectrum 8 Theaters, Albany

One of the best ways to spend a chilly evening at home is in front of a movie screen, a tub of warm popcorn on your lap. Second best? The same scenario at Spectrum 8, an independent gem located at 290 Delaware Avenue in Albany. Since the Spectrum’s establishment in 1983, it has been dedicated to showing the best in film, everything from Hollywood darlings to award-winning independent and foreign films. The 10 or so different movies playing during the week are usually a combination of the latest, greatest and most provoking. The Spectrum’s Web site, www.spectrum8.com, provides show times as well as summaries of films. The Spectrum says “independent” from the entranceway where local artists’ works are displayed to the candy counter where, in addition to all the usual goodies, moviegoers can buy homemade cakes, cookies and brownies. The individual theaters have more intimacy and smaller crowds than your average mall theater without sacrificing new technologies that enhance the movie-watching experience, such as with Dolby digital and stereo surround sound. photo by JAMES GoolSby/tiMES union The Ultraviolet Café, located one door away from the Spectrum, is the perfect place to wait for show time with a tea, espresso, panini sandwich or any number of desserts.

5 3

photo by CinDy SChultZ/tiMES union

Olde Saratoga Brewing Co., Saratoga

Saratoga is famous for many things — racing, shopping, scenery — but one of its best-kept secrets doubles as one of its most fun weekend excursions. The Olde Saratoga Brewing Co. is the fourth largest brewery in New York State, and it’s open for guided tours and drink samples. The brewery was established in 1997 and now produces over 20,000 barrels of beer annually. It brews light to dark beers, about 30 different types a year, all of them available for sampling in the Tasting Room. The guided tour of this modern facility reveals the computercontrolled grain blending, the boiling of the “wort,” or liquid extract from the grain, and the fermenter tanks where, under careful observation, wort becomes beer. The tour takes about half an hour and brings visitors through the brew house, cellar and bottling line. Of course, for beer fans, the best part of the Olde Saratoga Brewing Co. tour comes at the end, when they can enjoy a taste of the final product of a long and complex process. When: Tours at the brewery are available Saturday afternoons, 1-3 p.m. The Tasting Room is open until 10 p.m., for those who just can’t stop “learning.” For more information or to book a private tour, call 518-581-0492 or visit www.oldesaratogabrew.com.

The Hyde Collection, Glens Falls

Renoir, Picasso and Seurat are closer than you may think. Their work is included among the over 2,500 paintings, sculptures, furniture and decorative arts found in Glens Falls’ oft-forgotten gem. The Hyde Collection sits stoically in the city’s downtown district, turning heads of drivers and passersby. The Hyde House, the anchor of the museum, is an Italian Renaissance-styled villa standing in striking contrast to the brick, commercial buildings surrounding it. Built in 1912, the gray stucco structure was the residence of Louis and Charlotte Hyde, the museum’s founders. As the couple’s collection of Western art grew, they began to pair the pieces with antique European furniture. Today, the house appears as it did when the Hydes lived there. With the original furnishings and artwork, it’s a step back in time. At the Hyde, you can discover the joy of a world-class collection without the long lines, pricey admission and — best of all — without making a lengthy trip. Visitors can either stroll leisurely through the history of Western art or opt for a docent-led tour. The adjoining Education Wing houses the major galleries and special exhibitions. Currently on view in the Wood Gallery is An Enduring Legacy: American Impressionist Landscapes from the Thomas Clark Collection. Running through Sunday, March 28, 2010, the exhibition features 65 paintings from the private collection of Saratoga County resident Thomas Clark. Donations are appreciated but admission is free. While the museum may best be suited for adults seeking art appreciation, the Hyde hosts a variety of programs for children of all age groups. When: Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. For more information and a calendar of events, visit www.hydecollection.org. E

HARBOR SCENE, GLOUCESTER by AMEriCAn ArtiSt hAylEy lEVEr proMiSED GiFt oF thoMAS ClArK to thE hyDE CollECtion

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family fun

happy holidays ten events to enjoy with family and friends by jill montag

he beginning of winter may be bittersweet for those who miss the summer sun and fall colors, but this season brings its own unique rewards. The Capital Region takes holidays and traditions seriously, and this year is no exception. From concerts and plays to craft fairs and movies, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find plenty of ways to celebrate, with or without the kids. This is just a sampling of events; for a more complete list check out the calendar on pages 8-16 continued on page 22 in this issue of EXPLORE.

THE ZUCCHINI BROTHERS â&#x20AC;˘ PHOTO COURTESY THE EGG

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Christmas Classics

This year, instead of watching the old favorites on TV, check out It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street on the big screen at the Palace Theatre in Albany. These holiday films are part of the Palace’s Classic Movie Series. For just $5 for adults and $3 for children, this is one trip to the movies that won’t break the bank. Just don’t forget the Kleenex. It’s a Wonderful Life, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. Miracle on 34th Street,, Dec. 28, 7 p.m. The Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany; (518) 465-3334; http://palacealbany.com

Mountain Snow & Mistletoe

Everybody loves a concert of traditional Christmas carols, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with Mountain Snow & Mistletoe at The Egg in Albany. Christopher Shaw and Bridget Ball, a local husband and wife singing/songwriting team, will perform songs from their CD of the same name and tell stories, too. They are accompanied by The Mountain Snow Orchestra, which includes fiddler John Kirk, guitarist Kevin McKrell and percussionist Brian Melick. The group has been performing this show in this area for 13 years. December 12, 8 p.m. and Dec. 13, 2 p.m.; $24 The Egg, Empire State Plaza, Albany; 518-473-1845; http://theegg.org

Nowell Sing We Clear

For some seasonal entertainment that reaches back into time, check out the annual yuletide concert, “Nowell Sing We Clear.” John Roberts, Tony Barrand, Fred Breunig and Andy Davis return for their 35th touring season of their program of unusual songs, carols, stories and customs. The concert is being presented by Old Songs, a not-for-profit group based in Voorheesville dedicated to keeping traditional music and dance alive. According to Old Songs, “the songs

EXPLORE

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come from an age when the midwinter season was a time for joyous celebration, commingling ancient pagan observances of the winter solstice with the rites and folklore of the Christmas story.” Dec. 12, 3 p.m.; $20 adults, $5 kids 12 and under St. John’s Lutheran Church, Altamont For more information: Old Songs, 518765-2815; http://oldsongs.org

Holiday Northeast Art and Craft Show

If you need a break from all the music — and you still have some shopping left to do — head on over to the Holiday Northeast Art and Craft Show at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. As many as 75 exhibitors from throughout the Northeast are expected to take part in this juried craft show, which is sure to be the perfect place to find that one-of-a-kind holiday gift. Free admission leaves more money to spend on the goodies! Dec. 7-11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; free Empire State Plaza, North Concourse For more information: http://tinyurl.com/EXPHolidayEvents-CraftShow09

Dreidels ’n Donuts

Those of you who celebrate Chanukah — or just enjoy learning about other cultures — might want to attend the public menorah lighting and Chanukah celebration at Clifton Park Center. The highlight of this event will be the construction of a giant “CAN-orah,” a menorah made of food cans that will be donated to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York after the holiday. Have fun feasting on hot latkes (potato pancakes) and playing the dreidel game with your family, and don’t forget to bring a can of food to contribute. Dec. 12, 6-6:30 p.m. at Clifton Park Center For more information: Contact Rabbi Yossi Rubin, 518-495-0772 or e-mail cliftonparkchabad@earthlink.net

t r An S

-Si bE

riA n

orC

•p

Zucchini Brothers Holiday Show

If you’re looking for something fun to do with the younger set this holiday season, look no further. The Zucchini Brothers bill themselves as “making music that’s 100% healthy and 100% fun!” In this show at The Egg, Jack (guitar), Steve (keyboards) and Sam (drums) will perform original holiday songs and favorites from their popular recordings for children, with the goal of delighting and educating the whole family. Dec. 19, 2 p.m.; $10 The Egg, Empire State Plaza, Albany; 518-473-1845; http://theegg.org

It’s a Wonderful Life on stage

Chances are you’ve watched It’s a Wonderful Life on the big or small screen at least once or twice; here’s your chance to see the Christmas classic on stage. Classic Theater Guild, based in Troy, brings its version of the play by James W. Rodgers to Proctors just in time for the holidays. Who wouldn’t want to see George Bailey and his guardian angel Clarence live on stage? If only James Stewart and Donna Reed could be there, too… Dec. 10-11, 8 p.m.; Dec. 13, 2 p.m.; $16.50 adults, $13.50 seniors and students Proctors, 432 State St., Schenectady; 518-346-6204; http://proctors.org

Valatie Santa Claus Club

Here’s one way to keep your kids from bugging you about Santa’s whereabouts on Christmas Eve: take them to Valatie. This village about 30 minutes south of Albany is where Santa visits the homes of local children on the day before Christmas, courtesy of the Valatie Santa Claus Club. He arrives by horsedrawn sleigh at the Governor Martin H. Glynn Square on Church Street at 2 p.m. At 4 p.m., Santa begins his journey down every street in the village to the tune

of “Here Comes Santa Claus.” After that, he visits kids age 10 and under in their homes — bearing gifts, of course! Fifteen local men established the Valatie Santa Claus Club, the first of its kind in the nation, in 1946 to provide gifts for the poor. By the way, Virginia O’Hanlon of “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” fame died in a nursing home in Valatie in 1971. Coincidence? I think not. Dec. 24, 2 p.m. in Valatie For more information: http://valatievillage.com/santa

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

For a holiday musical event with an edge, don’t miss the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s annual stop at the Times Union Center in Albany. The rock orchestra, which was founded back in 1996, tours the U.S. combining classic Christmas scores with hard rock and heavy metal music genres. It’s quite an experience to witness this 30-piece orchestra featuring two narrators, 14 singers and 14 musicians. This year’s show will feature music from the TSO’s newest CD, Night Castle, which was released in October. Dec. 13, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; tickets, $25-$60 Times Union Center, 51 S. Pearl St., Albany; 1-800-30-EVENT; http://timesunioncenter-albany.com/

King Island Christmas

The whole family will get a kick out of this musical celebration at the NYS Theatre Institute in Troy, which is perfect for kids in kindergarten and older. The story centers on members of a remote community in the Bering Sea of Alaska who pull together during a winter storm to overcome adversity and achieve the impossible. King Island Christmas is the first Christmas musical based on an American story. How fitting, then, that it will be performed in the home of Uncle Sam this holiday season. Through Dec. 18; adults, $20, children, $10 New York State Theatre Institute, 37 1st St., Troy; 518-274-3256; http://nysti.org E

timesunion.com/explore

music

very vega suzanne vega mulls her place in music and meeting jerry garcia by chris harris » photo by bert sanchez

ongwriter Suzanne Vega is in the middle of a rather ambitious studio project, one that sounds absolutely daunting on paper but one the folk-leaning songstress is handling with great ease while being an attentive mother to her 15-year-old daughter, Ruby Froom. (Soul Coughing named their 1994 LP Ruby Vroom in her honor.) Vega, who will be performing with Marc Cohn on February 3 at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, is working around the clock in a New York City studio, re-recording her entire back catalogue and ultimately, reclaiming her life’s work. “I wanted to re-record the songs so that I could own the masters, because we’re in this crazy time period where I’m not with A&M and I’m not with Blue Note Records anymore, and I had the re-recording rights so I thought, ‘OK, I’ll just re-record the catalogue acoustically, but rather than do it album by album, I’ll group them together the way I would for a live show.’” That’s where the ambitious part comes in. You see, Vega, who is perhaps best known for the 1990s hits “Tom’s Diner” and “Luka,” isn’t just re-recording all of her old songs in chronological order. Instead, she’s re-imagining them acoustically, by theme. When we speak, she’s concentrating on the love songs. “We’re aiming to have that out in time for Valentine’s Day,” Vega says. “That album will consist of all of the songs off of all of my different albums, and I’m doing this as a four-album project.” The second disc, to be called People, Places, and Things, will boast “Luka,” “Tom’s Diner,” “In Liverpool” and “Ca-

EXPLORE

lypso,” to name a few. It will include all of the songs she’s written over the course of seven studio albums (her self-titled 1985 debut; 1987’s Solitude Standing; 1990’s Days of Open Hand; 1992’s 99.9F°; 1996’s Nine Objects of Desire; 2001’s Songs in Red and Gray; and 2007’s Beauty and Crime) that feature storylines and characters, or were about spots on the map. States of Being, which will include “Blood Makes Noise,” “Undertow,” and “all the songs that have to do with states of mind,” will be the third release, and “then, strangely enough, the rest of the songs seem to fall under family…songs to ex-husbands, mothers, daughters, brothers, fathers.” For the moment, Vega plans to sell these four “intimate” albums at her concerts only, providing fans with the ultimate collector’s item. And as a free agent, she’s got that freedom. In fact, between reworking her songs, Vega says she’s been writing new material for an album she’d like to have out in 2011. “It’s intriguing to me to be a free agent, and I’m looking at Radiohead as a model,” she says, implying that she may just release future albums on her own, online. “I’m keeping an eye on the new songs, and what they will require. I’ll do what I can on my own, but it depends on what the songs are, and what they dictate.” continued on page 26

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music continued from page 24

xpect Vega and her band to debut some of the reworked material when they play Troy this February with Marc Cohn. Vega says she’ll be road-testing some of the acoustic tracks on this tour … a trek that means more to her than most. “I have toured with Marc before, and it’s a really nice double bill,” she says. “He’s a terrific performer, and we had a terrific time touring before.” While Vega’s been making music since “Tom’s Diner” became an adult contemporary radio mainstay, no other composition of hers has struck a chord with mass audiences quite like that song. The song has been covered, parodied and sampled thousands of times, often without Vega’s knowledge, making her something of a pop culture icon. “I really get a kick out of it, especially ‘Tom’s Diner,’ where you can hear bits and pieces of it in all these different places,” she says. “I was at a wedding two weeks ago, and I heard a tiny bit of the song in a Black Eyed Peas track. It’s a lot of fun, and definitely not what I would have expected back when I started…especially with that song, which I thought was just a little vignette. I never thought of it as a big pop song.” In some cases, artists have gone from sampling Vega’s songs to collaborating with her on new ones. In 2009, Vega worked with hip-hopper Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse, and director David Lynch on a song called “The Man Who Played God,” a track that appears on the album Dark Night of the Soul. It is a song few Vega fans have heard, but one she’s proud of. The collaboration began on the Web. “I started e-mailing Danger Mouse back in 2004, after I discovered Google News Alerts,” Vega says. “I had just learned that if you put your name in there, you get all this stuff back, and so I put my own name in, and one of first things that came back to me was this interview with Danger Mouse where he was talking about how he mixed ‘Tom’s Diner’ with 50 Cent’s ‘In Da Club.’ I thought it sounded interesting, and I wanted to hear it. So I looked him up online, found his e-mail and sent him an e-mail saying

I wanted to listen to this. He had not asked permission, but I wasn’t tracking him down for that. And within two hours, he wrote back: ‘Is that really you?’” The two e-mailed back and forth for several months before finally meeting. They discussed working together, and in time, he sent Vega a track, asking for ideas. “I was expecting something more along the lines of what he does with Gnarls Barkley, but I got into the vibe of it, and I got really excited about the idea of writing the lyrics for this bio of Pablo Picasso I » marc cohn and suZanne veGa perform at had read about in the newstroy Music hall, 30 2nd St., troy on Wednesday, paper…I wanted to talk Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. tickets range from $29-$43. Go to about art and imagination troymusichall.org for information. and how that expands your mind. I’m really happy with the way it turned out.” While working with Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse was a moment she’ll always savor, nothing, Vega says, beats 1990. Just thinking back to that time puts a smile on Vega’s face. “I was walking around New York and ‘Tom’s Diner’ was this huge hit, and I remember standing by these truckers, who were unloading this truck, and ‘Tom’s Diner’ was playing on this boombox they were listening to, and I was standing right near it and nobody knew that it was me,” she says. “It was a great moment … I felt very embraced by the world that year. But nothing tops jamming with the Grateful Dead at Madison Square Garden.” Back in 1988, Vega joined the Dead onstage for three songs. “That’s a moment that will never be recreated,” she says. “It was mind-blowing. It was amazing. There was something about that moment and Jerry’s energy…We liked each other and there was this nice spiritual connection there.” E

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Introduces Hotel Loyalty Program The Desmond Traveler Rewards Program is the new hotel loyalty program unveiled by The Desmond. The program rewards frequent guests with American Express gift cards based on points earned for hotel stays.

ALBANY, NY �PRWEB� OCTOBER 7, 2009 -- The Desmond Hotel has announced the introduction of a new hotel loyalty program. Designed to recognize their best customers and reward them, the concept is a simple one. One overnight stay equals one point, five points equals a $50.00 American Express gift card. The rewards program has no complicated point structure, no blackout dates, and no start up fees. By adding a hotel loyalty program, The Desmond continues to improve on the benefits to their guests. The Desmond Hotel Albany, NY

“As an independent property, we feel we need to provide an added benefit to frequent travelers and reward them for their loyalty. In these economic times, we feel strongly that a travel loyalty program is an important factor to decision makers when making their travel arrangements.”

raveler Reward members who stay Sunday through Thursday, also receive a complimentary Traveler Breakfast in Simpson’s Grille located within the one-of-a-kind Albany hotel. John D’Adamo, General Manager, The Desmond, Albany states, “As an independent property, we feel we need to provide an added benefit to frequent travelers and reward them for their loyalty.” The rewards program is made available to all guests at no charge. “In these economic times, we feel strongly that a travel loyalty program is an important factor to decision makers when making their travel arrangements,” says John.

The Desmond offers this program at both their Albany, New York and Malvern, Pennsylvania hotels. Recognized in 2009 by readers of The Times Union Newspaper for the second consecutive year as “Best Hotel”, The Desmond Hotel also claims bragging rights of being located in Albany, New York recognized as an “All-American City” in 2009. The award is the oldest community recognition program in the nation. Guests can sign up at www.desmondhotelsalbany.com or are welcome to fill out an application with a front desk representative. The Desmond Traveler Rewards Program is valid on all Desmond, Albany hotel specials and packages.

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family

when you give a pigeon a

hot dog…

PHOTO COURTESY STUART SLAVICKY

…expect plenty of laughs! by brianna snyder

ome children’s books and TV shows make parents seem like heroes. Sesame Street is one of them. Mo Willems’ Pigeon series is another. More 4-yearolds on the planet should see this stuff. Willems was actually a writer on Sesame Street for 10 years before moving on to write children’s books in 2003. He’s won awards for the Pigeon series and for his Knuffle Bunny, Elephant and Piggie series. But Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! and The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! are, by far, my favorites. I’m not alone in my adoration: The British theater company Big Wooden Horse Theatre has crammed those three books into a musical stage performance titled Pigeon Party! The show just might be the perfect baby’s-firsttheater-experience, according to Alex Scott Fairley, who plays the bus driver, the

PIGEON PARTY! will be at The Egg, Empire State

hot dog man and the duckPlaza, Albany on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 11 a.m. ie. He and I swapped a few Tickets are $14. Call (518) 473-1845 or go to e-mails, and he told me a theegg.org for information. little bit about why Pigeon Party! is awesome. “I think that it’s a very, very good first-theatre experience for kids…as many of them probably won’t have been to the theatre before going to see this show,” he wrote. “[I]t tells a simple story in a fun, effective way with only two performers and a very cleverly designed set that’s a little like a pop-up book!” continued on page 33

timesunion.com/explore

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f you’re not familiar with the books, they focus on a mischievous pigeon who’s left in the care of the reader. The bus driver in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! tells the reader, well, not to let the pigeon drive the bus. Once the driver leaves, the pigeon starts begging the reader to hand over the bus’s keys. “I’ll tell you what,” the pigeon says. “I’ll just steer. “My cousin Herb drives a bus almost every day! he continues. “True story.” There’s excessive exclamation-pointing and the illustration is very minimalist — it’s usually just the pigeon on the page and he’s drawn in about four circles (Willems’ Web site includes a how-to-illustrate-the-pigeon page; it’s pretty simple). But the simplicity of the illustration and the hyper pigeon’s coy attempts to get out of going to bed (Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!) or his two-page, hugelettered, multiple-exclamation-pointed hissy fits are all very funny, adorable and smart. When begging for a puppy, the pigeon says, “I promise to water him every day!” (Bonus: You can find videos on YouTube of people reading the “Pigeon” books aloud, and there are some puppet shows and cartoons of the pigeon and his little problems.) What’s fantastic about Pigeon is that his begging puts power in the hands of the child (or grown-up) reading the book. The books are less about a story and more about a quick, personal interaction. Kids see a childlike bird trying to break the rules, and they’re encouraged to say no to him, no matter how hard he tries to persuade them otherwise. It’s a small and fictitious measure of power, but effective in the sense that it’s gratifying to a usually-powerless kid and edifying in a subtle, reflection-of-life way. You can beg all you want, Pigeon, but you’re not staying up late. “The kids’ favorite parts are definitely the parts where they get to tell the pigeon he’s not allowed to drive the bus and — later in the show — that he has to go to bed,” wrote Fairley. “I think they enjoy having the ‘adult’ role for once and being able to set the rules for the pigeon, who is, it must be said, quite naughty.” Pigeon Party! is just a couple of actors and a couple of props, Fairley says, and that’s good for today’s kids, who are oversaturated in computer-graphics magician-ry. “I think the show proves that you don’t need a lot of CGI and crazy special effects to have fun and tell a story,” Fairley wrote, “which I think is more and more important at a time where kids have so much access to films, computer games [and] the Internet.” The show is very audience-participation based, and kids are invited to call out and tell the pigeon what he’s not allowed to do. When the pigeon finds a hot dog in The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!, he ends up fighting with his conscience when a littler bird asks him what hot dogs taste like. He’s furious at the bird and at the injustices of life having handed him a hot dog that he might now lose. “Is that a hot dog?” the small bird asks the pigeon. “Not a hot dog; my hot dog,” he replies. (How many semicolons do you see in kids’ books?) Pigeon Party! includes a song about Pigeon’s dilemma, and the kids help the two birds come to a win-win resolution. Everybody wins. Everybody learns. Fairley said he thinks Willems’ books have “the same timeless quality Sesame Street has.” It’s certainly true that Pigeon is in line with all the classic characters that make kids and their parents and their parents’ parents laugh and listen and learn. Fairley said he’s looking forward to continuing on with the show. “I think Pigeon is a strong-enough character to last as long as characters like Big Bird, or the Berenstain Bears, or Ramona Quimby or the Cat in the Hat!” E

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family travel

by kim sakrison durant

hen the first flakes fall, many families here in the Capital Region grab their skis or snowboards and hop in the car. Ski vacations are a great opportunity for parents to do what they love while bonding with kids of any age, especially those busy teenagers. Ski resorts around the country increasingly cater to couples traveling with children by offering daycare for the little ones, lessons of all kinds for older children and teens, plus unique events and programs for the entire family to enjoy together. Check out this list of family friendly features at the most popular New England ski resorts to help you decide where to hit the slopes this winter.

20 family friendly ski resorts

families who ski together, stay together

PHOTO COURTESY OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT

timesunion.com/explore

family travel

New York Whiteface Mountain

Wilmington, N.Y. 518-946-2223 www.whiteface.com · 85 total trails · 11 lifts · 20% novice trails · Bear’s Den Nursery for children ages 1-6 · Play ‘n Ski for little ones, Future Medalist ski programs for children ages 4-6 and Cloudsplitter Club ski and snowboard programs for older children and teens · Former Olympic site boasting the largest vertical drop in the East · Snowcast that can be downloaded to your iPod · Brookside Terrain Park: an enclosed rail park for snowboarders with multiple lines

Hunter Mountain

Hunter, N.Y. 1-800-486-8376 www.huntermt.com · 55 total trails · 11 lifts · 30% novice trails · “Playcare” program for children ages 6 months - 6 years · Kids ski and snowboard programs tailored to kids who want to improve technique, kids who wish to race, and teens who are serious skiers · Private lessons for children and teens of all abilities · Transferable season passes that can be shared with family and friends · Season passes now with debit card capacity so parents can load the card with funds, and teens can “swipe it” for snacks and lunch on their own schedule

Windham Mountain

Northern Catskill Mts., N.Y. 1-800-754-9463 www.windhammountain.com · 46 total trails · 10 lifts · 13 beginner trails · Private lessons for children ages 4 and up · Multiple ski programs for children and teens, both group and private · Families can race together — open to all abilities · Children’s Learning Center for non-skiers ages 2-7 · Ski-up hot waffle hut · Climbing wall and bungee trampoline

EXPLORE

· “Family of the Year”: vote online and win ski pass

West Mountain

Glens Falls, N.Y. 518-793-6606 www.skiwestmountain.com · 29 total trails · 6 ski lifts · 8 novice trails · Introduction to racing program teaching team spirit and the basics of downhill ski racing · Student Twilight program: Students ski from 3-9 pm with one hour instruction to enhance technique · Ski, snowboard, and telemark lesson programs for all ages and abilities · Six tubing chutes serviced by two lifts offering a popular option for non-skiers

Gore Mountain

North Creek, N.Y. 518-251-2411 www.goremountain.com · 90 total trails · 12 lifts · 10% novice trails · Daycare for children ages 6 months - 6 years · Ski and snowboard lessons and programs for kids ages 4 and up · Ruby Run for novice skiers — 2.2 miles of beginner terrain from the top of the gondola down to the base area · Easter Sunday mountaintop service and breakfast buffet · Full moon tubing parties with bonfires and s’mores · Variety of family activities and events

· Women’s Winter Escape program: Ski in a weekly group with other women while receiving a childcare discount · Mountain Coaster, a thrilling ride for families, and the only one of its kind in the Northeast

Butternut Basin

Great Barrington, Mass. 413-528-2000 www.skibutternut.com · 22 total trails · 11 lifts · 80% novice trails · Daycare and ski programs for children ages 4 and up · First-timer’s learn to ski or snowboard program · Not excessively challenging, soft skiing terrain that is great for families · Four moving carpets to take novice riders up · One base location that makes it easy to keep track of children · No night skiing provides a super quality snow base — important for families and beginner skiers

Vermont Ascutney Mountain

Brownville, Vt. 1-800-2430011 www.ascutney.com · 57 total trails · 6 lifts · 30% novice trails · Free cross-country skiing, tubing and snowshoeing for hotel guests

· “Ducklings Daycare” for little ones age 6 months and up · Face painting and entertainment by costumed characters at “Cheddar’s Happy Hour” for kids · Olympic-sized heated pool and hot tub for families to relax in after skiing · Saturday night bonfire and torchlight parade — a great family night out · Kickboxing lessons, personal trainers and aqua aerobics · On-site spa offering sports massage and other services to rejuvenate tired skiers

Bromley

Manchester Center, Vt. 802-824-5522 www.bromley.com · 9 lifts · 45 total trails · 35% novice trails · Kids Center providing daycare for ages 6 weeks - 3 years · Ski/snowboard classes for kids · One base lodge that makes it easy for families to meet · Valet parking on weekends and holidays makes it easy for families with kids

Jay Peak

Jay, Vt. 802-988-9601/2611 www.jaypeakresort.com · 8 lifts · 78 total trails · 20% novice trails · Daycare available for children age 2-7 · “The Zone” for beginners: Jay’s learn-to-ski and ride area with 80 acres of gentle slopes · Kinderski program offering indoor ski carpet to introduce kids to lifts · Multi-child ski lesson discounts · Private lessons and specialty ski clinics for advanced skiers · Triple Major College Ski Pass: one price, ski three mountains

Killington Mountain

Killington, Vt. 802-422-3333 www.killington.com · 7 mountains · 30 lifts · 191 trails · 28% novice trails · Daycare for children ages 12 weeks - 6 years old · Awnings covering The Magic Carpet lift for beginners · Small classes: 1:3 teacherchild ratio in ski and snowboard programs for children 2-3 years old

Massachusetts Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

Hancock, Mass. 413-738-5500 www.jiminypeak.com · 9 lifts · 45 total trails · 22% novice trails · Daycare for children ages 6 months and up · Ski and snowboarding lessons for children starting at age 3, plus an online ability chart to find the right lesson group for the kids

PHOTO COURTESY GORE MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT

· Guided snowmobile tours through Calvin Coolidge State Park · Horse-drawn sleigh rides

Smuggler’s Notch

Smuggler’s Notch, Vt. 1-800-419-4615 www.smuggs.com · 3 mountains · 78 total trails · 8 lifts · 19% novice trails · Daycare for children ages 6 weeks and up — heated walkways for easy drop-off and one-way mirrors for parents to check on their kids · Ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and abilities · Money-back guarantee on ski and snowboard lessons · The only triple black diamond trail in the East · Morse Highlands: selfcontained beginner area for families · Dog sledding trips and night snowshoeing trips · Two teen centers right in the resort

Okemo Mountain Resort

Ludlow. Vt. 1-800-786-5366 www.Okemo.com · 119 trails · 19 lifts · 32% novice trails · Daycare for children ages 6 months - 4 years old · Star Booster program: children as young as 2 can learn to ski · Terrain park designed for parents and kids · Two all-day free beginner lifts · Ski introduction for children as young as 6 months old · Special trail map for kids that shows “Secret Glades”

New Hampshire Attitash Mountain

Bartlett, N.H. 1-800-223-7669 www.attitash.com · 78 total trails · 11 lifts · 20% novice trails · Daycare for children ages 6 months - 6 years old · Tiny Turns combines daycare with basic ski instruction · Ski/snowboard programs for kids, teens and adults · Special rates for U.S. Military and their families · Adaptive Ski program with lessons for persons with disabilities · Snow Golf Tournament — Costumes encouraged

Bretton Woods

Bretton Woods, N.H. 1-800-314-1752 www.mountwashingtonresort. com/winter_sports/alpine/ overview · 101 total trails · 9 lifts · 29% novice trails · Daycare for children ages 2 months - 5 years old · Rated #1 in New Hampshire for Dining, Family Programs, Lifts, Lodging, On-Mountain Food, Service and Weather by Ski Magazine, 2009 · Hobbit snow play for ages 3-5 and many more ski/ snowboard programs · Kids evening program and babysitting service · Hat painting, tie-dye T-shirts and hat painting fun for kids · Zip line for adults · Bedtime Story time, s’mores and storytelling and family scavenger hunts · Separate learning area with surface lift for beginners, including a streamlined process to speed the sign-up process

Waterville Valley Resort

Waterville Valley, N.H. 1-800-468-2553 www.waterville.com · 52 total trails · 12 lifts · 20% novice trails · Curious George Studio for kids · Kids Venture Camps for ages 3-12 · Daycare for children ages 6 months - 4 years · First-timer’s online guide provides helpful info · Adaptive program for persons with disabilities · Valet parking

· Ski and snowboard overnight storage lockers

Maine Saddleback Mountain

Rangeley, Maine 1-866-918-2225 www.saddlebackmaine.com · 66 total trails and glades · 5 lifts · 33% novice trails · Daycare for children ages 6 months - 8 years · Lessons for children ages 3 and up (private and group) · Warming hut at top of Rangely Lift that is great for kids; also brand new mid-mountain yurt offering warmth plus meals and beverages · Southbranch Quad offering separate lifts and gentle slopes for families · Challenging terrain and glades for black double diamond skiers, too · Military discount that helps families who serve · Lollipop races held each Sunday

Sunday River

Newry, Maine 1-207-824-3000 www.sundayriver.com · 132 total trails · 16 lifts · 33% novice trails · Daycare for children ages 6 weeks - 6 years old · Learn to ski programs for ages 3 and up · Competition programs for children ages 8 and up in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing and snowboarding

Sugarloaf Mountain

Carrabassett Valley, Maine 1-800-THE-LOAF www.sugarloaf.com · 138 total trails · 15 lifts · 25% novice trails · Childcare for children ages 10 weeks - 5 years · Mountain Magic ski program for ages 3 and up · Competitive ski and snowboard programs for ages 8 and up · Family-friendly routes that are designated on trail map in yellow to indicate easiest way down the mountain · 100 volunteers in Ambassadors Program on mountain to help skiers · Children’s Festival week in January · Antigravity Complex boasting the largest indoor skate bowl in Maine, with trampoline

and indoor climbing wall for kids plus a state-ofthe-art gym for parents · Separate lifts, slopes and on-mountain restaurant for beginning skiers · Snowshoe safaris with moonlight snowshoe adventures

Connecticut Mohawk Mountain

West Cornwall, Conn. 1-800-895-5222 www.mohawkmtn.com · 24 total trails · 7 lifts · 20% novice trails · Ski programs for ages 5 and up · Junior racing programs for ages 6 -14 · Ability to complete all release forms online before you arrive to gain slope time · Family Express Line — Order tickets/rentals to be prepackaged and waiting for you in the speedy Express Line · Parent Tot programs for parents to introduce their 4 year old to skiing · The only Connecticut ski area to let fourth-grade kids ski free · Two wonder carpet surface lifts for kids · Reloadable Mohawk Money Card: Load it with funds, and your kids can use it to pay for the lift, lessons, food and ski shop

More information

Check out these ski-related Web sites for further information: www.alpinezone.com for comprehensive ski resort and lodging information www.70plusSkiClub.com to find camaraderie with ski enthusiasts www.ski-injury.com/prevention for injury prevention tips while on the slopes www.usskiteam.com for comprehensive information

on the United States Ski Team www.saveoursnow.com for documentation of the ski industry’s efforts to go green and reduce carbon footprints www.snowforecast.com for conditions

www.skibonk.com to compare conditions and choose the resort with the best conditions www.skileb.com for ski equipment information …See you on the slopes! E

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winter sports

say yes to snowshoeing a primer to get you started on this easy winter activity by kim sakrison durant

f you can walk, you can snowshoe. And that means you can enjoy winter’s beauty without the lift lines and, best of all, with money to spare in your wallet. Gains in technology have produced shorter, lighter and traction-friendly snowshoes that make it easy to access tracked and groomed snowshoe trails, golf courses, city parks and mountain peaks. Unlike Nordic or alpine skiing, snowshoeing has a short learning curve and an even shorter list of possible injuries for the beginner. Here are some tips on how to get started.

Try Before You Buy Beginners are welcome at the L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery School in Colonie Center. Here novices can sample the sport of snowshoeing on guided winter walks. For $15, first-timers receive snowshoes and trek poles as they are escorted into the Albany Pine Bush to snowshoe for an hour and a half, with a stop for hot chocolate along the way. L.L.Bean supplies all the equipment, and weekend outings are on a first come, first served basis. “It is a great entry-level experience, and people often say it is the best $15 they’ve ever spent,” says Holly Veiders, the Discovery School manager. The EMS store in Stuyvesant Plaza offers another way to get your feet wet, offering complimentary snowshoe demos during January and February. All the equipment is provided free of charge, and an EMS instructor leads beginners on a snowshoe outing to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. “It is a great way for first-timers to try the sport,” says store manager Eric Black. If groups are not for you, you can rent a pair of snowshoes at EMS, drive to your local park, strap them on and go for a walk. It really is as simple as that, since all you need is two inches of snow cover to snowshoe. continued on page 40

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winter sports

continued from page 39

little further afield, the Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center in Paul Smith’s, New York, offers a snowshoeing program that will quickly demystify this heart-healthy winter sport if you’re considering taking it up. Naturalist Peter O’Shea teaches snowshoers how to look for animals and their signs in the snow like a native tracker, and the VIC provides the snowshoes, tips on purchasing proper equipment and the basics of snowshoeing, all at no charge. The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) also organizes group trips for people who are not quite ready to go out on their own but want to venture out from city golf courses and local parks to the Adirondack Mountains. Their website offers information on group snowshoe trips classified by ability.

What to Buy? Once you have decided snowshoeing is your kind of sport, figuring out what to buy is simple. Black offers this advice: “Just ask yourself two questions before purchasing snowshoes: ‘Where do I want to go?’ and ‘How much do I weigh?’” There are three categories of snowshoes: those for the casual winter walker, those for the mountaineer and those designed for snowshoe racers who have the need for speed. Although wood and leather-laced snowshoes were used for thousands of years, most winter walkers opt for aluminum products these days. “They are lighter, smaller and easier to fix if there is a problem,” says Black. “When buying a snowshoe, look for easy-to-use bindings with a good crampon. You want to be able to manipulate the binding straps without removing your gloves. You don’t even need special footwear to get started; regular hiking boots with a heavy sock work fine.” Experts do suggest investing in gaiters, which are waterproof leg coverings that extend from the instep to the knee.

What to Wear and What to Bring Before heading out to the trails, make sure to fuel up with a breakfast full of good carbohydrates

EXPLORE

Useful Snowshoe Terms Binding: straps to hold boots to the snowshoe Floatation: ability of snowshoe to stay atop snow Crampon: spiked iron plate to keep snowshoes from slipping Gaiter: knee-high water proof leg covering to keep snow out Trekking Poles: resembling ski poles for added balance Wicking: fabric that pulls away perspiration

want more info? and protein. “Don’t forget to drink plenty of water,” says Black. “You lose a lot more body moisture in cold weather than you do in the heat.” The right clothing is critical. Veiders advises wearing synthetic clothing such as wicking long underwear, a fleece, quick-dry pants, jacket, hat, breathable gloves and sunglasses. Also consider disposable hand and toe warmers. Make sure to slather on the sunscreen, since the sun’s ultraviolet rays can be harmful all year long. If you need more help, check out the “Layering for Winter” clothing clinic at L.L.Bean. Veiders suggests including the following in a daypack: water, energy bars, lunch, a first-aid kit, a whistle for each person in case somebody gets separated from the group, sunscreen, extra gloves, extra socks, a cell phone for GPS locator ability, a map, a compass and a space blanket. As with all woods activities, snowshoe in groups and use the buddy system.

Snowshoe Racing Once you’ve gotten bit by the snowshoe bug, you might consider a race or two. According to local sport publisher Darryl Caron, snowshoe racing events have really taken off, with 25 of them occurring within an hour of the Capital District. “Many of these are low-key events that kids can take part in,” Caron says. “Snowshoeing is a great winter exercise that gets the heart beating and keeps you warm. It is a family event, and racing adds a fun element.” You don’t have to be an expert to have fun at snowshoe races of varying abilities and distances. The more ambitious might consider the snowshoe marathon — yes, that’s 26.2 miles — held in Berkshire, Massachusetts. This is the perfect event for competitive runners who want to run an icy marathon on webbed feet. E

• Adirondack Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) at Paul Smith’s: family-friendly guided snowshoe treks with naturalists. Go to www.adirondackvic.org. • For Capital District snowshoeing trail locations and information, check out www.trails.com. • Looking for group outings? Check out www. taconichikingclub.blog.com. • For information on trails, tips and equipment, check out www.adirondacks.com/snowshoeing. • For comprehensive information about choosing the right equipment and ﬁnding great trails, check out www.tubbs-trailnet.com. Submit your favorite snowshoeing trail and receive a free fleece hat! • For snowshoeing races and much more, check out www.runwmac.com. • Snowshoe locally at Bob’s Trees, opened in 1947: 30 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, and three miles of groomed snowshoe trails. Enjoy a hot beverage in the cozy lodge. www.bobstrees.com, 882-9455. • For monthly featured snowshoe destinations, check out www.AdkSports.com. • Mt. Van Hoevenburg Olympic Cross Country Center at www.orda.org has 31 miles of packed and tracked trails open to all who snowshoe, as well as two trails exclusively for snowshoe aficionados.

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To purchase tickets, call (518) 442-4683 No purchase necessary. One entry per person per day. Entries must be received by 5pm on Monday, December 21. Winners will be selected by random draw from all entries and notiﬁed by email on or about Wednesday, December 23. Each winner will win 4 tickets to a speciﬁed game. Must be 18 years or older. Employees and immediate family members of the Times Union, Times Union Center, Hearst Corporation, its subsidiaries, advertising agencies and media companies, Times Union delivery agents or dealers or their employees and members of the immediate family of any of the above are not eligible. Entries must be fully completed. Official entry forms are available online at timesunion.com/explore or by dropping off a postcard with your name, address, email address and daytime telephone number at the Times Union, 645 Albany-Shaker Road, Albany, NY.

off the beaten path

woodstock in winter

SNOW COVERS THE GRASSY AREA behind the Dutch Reformed Church at 16 Tinker St., Woodstock. In page background: Looking down Old Forge Road as snow falls behind the — PHOTO BY LARRY LAWRENCE Village Green.

a taste of the past without the tie-dyed throngs by erik hage

f you’re standing in the middle of Woodstock and want to get to the actual site of the 1969 music festival, you’d better get in your car and drive. Far. In fact, Bethel, home of that hallowed ground, is about an hour away, in Sullivan County. This hasn’t prevented the actual Ulster County town of Woodstock from becoming a universal geographical symbol of hippiedom, with visitors flooding the town to breathe the bracing Catskill Mountains air, shop in the diverse collection of hip boutiques, listen to impromptu musical performances on the village green and bask in the generally Aquarian milieu of the picturesque small town.

But to get to even deeper roots, you may want to visit in the winter. That’s when the temporarily tie-dyed throngs have somewhat receded and life continues on as it has since the early 1900s, both on the main drag of Tinker Street and in nearby wood-nestled homes tucked in relative seclusion in the surrounding folds of winding roads only minutes away. Sure, Woodstock’s musical roots are iconic, going back to a time prior to the festival, when none other than Bob Dylan famously sequestered himself there in the mid-’60s. But musicians are only part of the equation for Woodstock, which has continually served as a haven for artists

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off the beaten path

THE INSIDE OF MIRABAI BOOKS, located at 23 Mill Hill Rd. in Woodstock.

of all stripes or for those simply looking for a place that embraces lifestyles or ideals beyond the pale of the everyday. The off-season traveler should embrace another Woodstock: a rich and unique world of art, books and fine dining. The artistic roots go back far. 19th century critic John Ruskin advised artists to shuck emerging trends and “Go to nature in singleness of heart” to take lessons on color and form from the land itself. Englishman Ralph Radcliffe Whitehead took Ruskin’s mandate seriously, founding a utopian colony named Byrdcliffe here in 1903. Inspired by the notion that arts and crafts could serve as spiritual balm to encroaching industrialization, the colony provided a haven to which artists and craftspeople could flee from the cities to ply their trades in workshops, studios and craft schools that unobtrusively merged with the mossy, forested environs. Amazingly, Byrdcliffe still thrives, in the form of the colony itself outside of town, where artists take up residence in the numerous cottages, and in the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild, which operates the Klienert/James Arts Center, a multi-arts gallery in the center of town at 34 Tinker Street, where the visitor can take in the work of various local and visiting artists. The guild also offers live concerts, gallery shows, walking tours and classes. (For a schedule of their yearround offerings: woodstockguild.org.) Many other artists’ communities sprang up in the wake of Byrdcliffe, and just a few steps from the Guild you will find the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum (WAAM), which pays testament to that legacy in the Towbin Museum Wing collection. Contemporary solo exhibitions take up the Downstairs Gallery, showing that the WAAM (woodstockart.org) — much like the town itself — has one foot in the past and one in the present.

— PHOTO BY JEFF CUIULE

Across the street at 59 Tinker, the Center for Photography at Woodstock offers yet another gallery. Here, the vivid photo exhibitions are presented in a space that was once the Tinker Street Café, a bar that has hosted more famous musicians than can be mentioned. But upon exiting the gallery, don’t be surprised to see the ghosts of the past — Jim Hendrix, Bob Dylan, The Band — staring at you from images in a store across the street. The Reader’s Quarry, a used bookstore west of the gallery, features a vast collection of books on art. Accessible by a path that winds back to a pristine tiny cottage next to a bubbling stream and covered bridge, it seems an impossibly bucolic and charming cove for an antiquarian bookstore, but here it is, possessing not only art volumes but a little bit of everything to get lost in. The Golden Notebook, back in the center of town, is a Holy Grail of bookstores. Tucked into this warm, modest space with low ceilings, track lighting and worn green carpet is an expanding universe of new books, with every square inch of the small room bulging with volumes. Whether you’re looking for plays, classics, cookbooks, rock histories or newer novels, this is a sanctum for bibliophiles, who will want to perch in the antique corner rocker and never leave. There is even a bountiful kids’ version of the store next door, featuring brightly packed shelves, games and plenty of fun grownup items. Way at the eastern end of Tinker Street is Mirabai Books, providing more evidence that this is a town where non-traditional ideas meet full acceptance. Stepping in the door, one encounters a sort of hideaway where shopkeepers speak in warm, dulcet tones, and unobtrusive incense and Eastern music waft rapturously through the space. The shelves boast books with such spiritual and healing

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off the beaten path

in one shady, sylvan complex. topics as Feng Shui, “afterlife,” The larger Bear has been laudMandala, alternative medicine, ed by everyone from the New devotional poetry and various York Times to Gourmet for Eric dietary and religious pracMann’s innovative “New Ameritices. There are also plenty of can” fare, which draws upon World Music and mantra CDs. the abundance of locally grown Beaming Buddhas and other vegetables. If you drive a few such tchotchkes add to the miles east out of town toward ambience, and it’s hard not to Saugerties on Route 212, you emerge from the cozy sanctuwill pass right by Ric Orlando’s ary completely blissed-out. famous New World Home CookYou’d be foolish not to top 12 TINKER ST., just behind the Village Green. Guitar sculpture by Gideon Stein. — PHOTO BY LARRY LAWRENCE ing, which boasts wholesome, off your day with some of the diligently selected foods with fine dining that Woodstock and the surrounding environs has to offer. With so many finicky Manhattan types exotic accents. In true Woodstock fashion, Orlando’s is a world that gracefully calling this area home, a restaurant has to be top-notch. Right on Tinker Street, balances “health food” with delicious gourmet. You may actually want to stop the tiny and informal Taco Juan’s offers up fresh burritos and tacos bursting at here on your way in off the Thruway. Municipal parking is free year-round in Woodstock in an unpaved lot on Rock the seams with meats, beans and vegetables, while Joshua’s features a range of City Road, just off the main drag. Park here and stroll Woodstock from end to creative soups and a menu with distinct Mediterranean accents. If you venture a couple of miles west on Tinker, you will find the world- end, taking in this backwoods cosmopolis — a treasure haven of pleasures for the E class, upscale Bear Café restaurant and renowned Chinese eatery the Little Bear body, spirit and mind.

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Rediscover the Hudson

This historic exhibit commemorates Henry Hudson’s 1609 exploration of the river that bears his name and the remarkable narrative of the people, events, and ideas that have shaped this magnificent region. Join us for Hudson River Panorama —a 21st-century rediscovery of the waterway that changed the course of America. 125 WASHINGTON AVE., ALBANY  (518) 463-4478  ALBANYINSTITUTE.ORG Albany, NewYork, J.W. Hill,lithograph, AIHA; Rainbow Trout and Striped Bass, Don Nice, 2004, anodized aluminum, Courtesy of Babcock Galleries

just the two of us

the silent (secret) season you’ll ﬁnd deals and great meals in southern maine off-season

by andrew vietze

t the White Barn Inn they call it the “silent season.” When winter comes, the pace changes dramatically at the graceful old inn on Beach Avenue in Kennebunkport, Maine. Considered one of the best places to stay in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, Travel and Leisure, and countless others, the White Barn is a whirlwind during the summer months. Visitors descend on the 25-room inn from all over, delighting in its rustic, five-diamond dining room, its spacious suites, and its butler service. The same is true across the Kennebunks, the local name for Kennebunkport and its twin, Kennebunk. Crowds flock to these historic villages with their romantic white-clapboard Colonial homes, long whitesand beaches, acclaimed restaurants, boutiques, and antique shops, and view of George Bush the First’s Walker Point compound. And they do so in such numbers that traffic backs up in places, parking is a nightmare, and reservations are required often a

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week in advance at certain restaurants. When the temperatures begin to fall, however, the tourists and their tumult simply disappear, washing out like the tide. “We call it the silent season because the town is quiet,” says the White Barn’s Kristen Caouette. “It’s truly a time to come up here when you’re looking for peace and serenity.” Quiet indeed. When the snow flies, the Kennebunks revert back to nice little Maine towns, and you can understand why everyone wanted to be here in the first place. Parking spots are available right in front of the eateries and stores you want to visit. Couples can stroll miles-long Kennebunk Beach and be the only ones on it. Without the crowds, you can actually stop and see the sea on Ocean Avenue. You can get a good look at the neighborhoods of whiteclapboard homes that make this pair of villages so attractive. Lines are nonexistent. Those are some of the little things. But there is one major advantage — when the leaves drop the rates do, too.

“In general, everyone, including us, has a fourtier pricing system and the quietest seasons would be the most value for the money,” says Jack Nahil, founder of the White Barn and current innkeeper of the Cape Arundel Inn. That’s the nice way of saying there are some fantastic deals this time of year. At Nahil’s Cape Arundel, a gray-shingled Victorian cottage with a smashing view of the sea, rooms in the winter can often be had for half the price they are in the high season. At the White Barn Inn, the savings are almost as dramatic. “Winter prices can go as low as $295 per night,” says the inn’s Kristen Caouette. “In high season they start at $420. That’s quite a difference.” Packages that include dinner sweeten the deals. And it’s not as if it’s much of a hardship to be here in the winter. The community doesn’t board itself up the way it once did. “When you sit down and think about what is available to people, it’s a

if you go... eat here ON THE MARSH: Creatively prepared new American with a regional twist — lobster risotto and fresh Maine crab bake, for example. The beams are exposed, and everything from the art to the tableware is for sale. 46 Western Ave., Kennebunk; 207-967-2299; www.onthemarsh.com. GRISSINI ITALIAN BISTRO: This place brings “a touch of New England” to its Tuscan fare. 27 Western Ave., Kennebunkport; 207-967-2211; www.restaurantgrissini.com.

stay here THE WHITE BARN INN: With the only AAA Five Diamond/Mobil Five Star dining room northeast of New York and posh accommodations, this romantic country inn has been setting the standard in the Kennebunks – and Maine – since it opened in the 1970s. 37 Beach Ave., Kennebunkport; 207-9672321; www.whitebarninn.com. CAPE ARUNDEL INN: This 1895 “cottage” bills itself as “the closest you’ll find to a bed on the ocean.” Fine dining, comfortable rooms, excellent service. 208 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport; 207-967-2125; www.capearundelinn.com.

do this CROSS-COUNTRY SKI: Enjoy 24 miles of trails on 500-acre Harris Farm (www.harrisfarm.com). Kennebunk River Trail and the Carson Trail are just a couple of the many walking opportunities tucked into nearby woods and along the shore and they’re spectacular under snow. The genteel Brick Store Museum (www.brickstoremuseum.org) collects items that shed light on the history of the Kennebunk region, from paintings found floating at sea to Civil War drums to decorative items from the Colonial era. The local historical society (www.kporthistory.org) publishes an excellent walking tour brochure that takes you through the streets of homes and districts on the National Register of Historic Places. A good way to get to know the community and quick. — PHOTO COURTESY WHITE BARN INN

really long list,” says Nahil. Though many inns, restaurants and shops do close briefly for a few weeks of renovations (including the White Barn and the Cape Arundel), much of the community remains open. Nahil recommends cross-country skiing on area farms, shopping the antique stores of Route 1, and trips to the museums and galleries of Portland, half an hour north. Add in the outlets of Freeport and Kittery, which are within easy drives in opposite directions, and you have more than enough to entertain for a week.

omance is just as easy to find. “We have a horse and carriage ride in town where you go through streets wrapped in blankets,” Nahil says. Some of his guests simply like to relax in a rocker and bask in the scenery. “We’ll supply heavy fleece wraps and people will sit out on the porch looking out at the water, especially on the night of a full moon.”

Many couples enjoy walking the beaches; others like to hike trails through the woods and dunes at the nearby Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. Some explore the neat early American décor at the Brick Store Museum, some take to local art shops. Many simply hole up with a good book, only leaving their rooms for a fine meal. There are worse places to weather a storm than the White Barn Inn with its butler-drawn baths and spa treatment. “It’s a place people can come and get snowed in,” says the inn’s Caouette. “All of our rooms have a wood or gas-burning fireplace.” But winter in Maine is not for everyone. Denise Rubin, the gracious proprietress of On the Marsh, a restaurant that’s much admired locally, both for its creative take on traditional New England cuisine and it’s chef’s table, does admit she has to be a little creative to entice visitors this time of year. “It’s a bit of a sell,” she says. “We do a lot of special events – culinary classes, wine dinners.” For the

latter she’ll invite a wine maker who’ll talk about his wines, and there will be a new glass for each course. But she notes, you don’t need a reservation for a meal, and the chef puts just as much attention to detail into his entrees in February as he does in August. “We really cater to the individual diner,” says Rubin. “It’s critical to me.” Perhaps the best part of a winter stay in the Kennebunks is that not very many people know about it — the silent season might also be called the secret season. Jack Nahil says he has some regulars who make it a point to come back this time of year. “We have some people who see it as a chance to get away from the busy season and the leaf peepers.” But most of his guests are unaware of the possibilities. “‘Are you open in the winter?’” People ask that question all the time,” he says. “When I tell them, ‘Yes,’ it piques their interest, and as often as not, we find them booking a stay.” E

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travel tips

cruising

for a good time tips for booking the cruise you can afford by steve amedio

he economy may be improving, but people making vacation plans remain worried about the cost, which makes taking a cruise a fairly reasonable travel option. “When we start discussing the cost, most people find that a cruise is the absolutely best way to go places,” says Jeff Adams, the director of marketing for Yankee Trails in Rensselaer. “Whether it’s booking a five-to-seven day cruise to Disney World, or the Bahamas or the Caribbean, when you start comparing everything, it’s easy to see how economical it is to cruise.” Cruises are mostly all-encompassing, meaning the cost covers most necessities from a room to meals and some beverages to a variety of on-board entertainment options. A five-day cruise for a family of four to the Caribbean, booked at the right time, can cost a total of $2,500. The only additional expense related to the cruise is gratuities. People should figure on an additional $10 or $11 per day per person over the length of the cruise to cover gratuities. Prices can vary greatly between cruise lines, ranging from very expensive luxury lines to less-ostentatious and more-economical lines. Costs can also be contained by cruising to U.S. destinations in the East or islands not far off the East Coast that can be booked out of New York City’s Manhattan Pier or the Cape Liberty Pier in Bayonne, New Jersey, negating the expense of a flight to the port of departure. Travelers cruising from those ports can book round-trip bus transportation through Yankee Trails at about $80 per person or make the drive — usually less than three hours — themselves. The cost of parking a car at either pier is $20 per day. Of course, other upgrades and amenities can drive up prices. The lowest-cost option includes an interior cabin without a view of the water. Rooms can be upgraded to have ocean views with portholes, a picture window or even a private balcony, all at various levels of additional cost. “The room is usually the biggest thing people are concerned about,” says Laura Grieco, a Yankee Trails cruise consultant. “First-timers or people who cruise on a budget usually will take an interior room.” Other additional costs involve meal upgrades (most cruise lines have “specialty” restaurants) and beverages. (Water, lemonade and ice tea are free, but soda costs an additional $6 per person per day, and alcoholic beverages are also extra.) Also, anything done off-ship at the various destinations, from sightseeing to meals to shopping, is an additional expense. Cruises to more-distant locales such as Alaska, Hawaii or Europe leave from other ports that probably require air travel.

till, cruises of that nature remain popular despite significantly higher costs, says Dorothy Esposito-Sheehan, a travel consultant in Liberty Travel’s Colonie Center office. “People are still traveling, and the lengthier, costlier trips are just as popular as ever,” she says. “When you look at it, it’s an economical way to go. If you take a family vacation to Cape Cod or the Jersey Shore and rent a house … that’s expensive, and it doesn’t include your meals or entertainment. It’s usually cheaper to take a week-long cruise, pay one price for everything up front and not have any worries.” Esposito-Sheehan says trips to the Mediterranean and other destinations in Europe have gained increased popularity recently, due to the value of seeing those ports without incurring higher expenses that would otherwise be involved because of the decreased value of the dollar overseas. “If you stayed in a hotel in Italy or other European destination, it’s extremely expensive because the value of our dollar is so low right now,” she says. “But by cruising, you can visit those spots and the price of your room doesn’t increase. You can have what amounts to a penthouse suite onboard a cruise ship for less than you’d have to pay for a hotel room off the ship.” Debbie DerGurahian of Latham considers herself a savvy cruise consumer after making her own arrangements for 10 cruises since 1990. “Price is the biggest concern when I’m looking for a cruise,” says DerGurahian, who surfs the Web when researching cruise arrangements. “If you really shop around, you can really find the best price. We have been to the Caribbean for a week for under $2,000 total.” DerGurahian says she and her husband, Larry, appreciate the all-encompassing aspects of cruise travel. “I’ve heard people complain about certain cruise ships, but even on the economical ones we’ve had a good time and the food is always good,” she says. “It’s an opportunity to go to multiple ports and not have to worry about packing and unpacking, about where you should go to eat or about entertainment. On some cruises, you could watch a show, whether it be a magician, a music act or whatever, almost every hour of the day and it’s all free.” DerGurahian likes to control every aspect of planning, often calling individual cruise lines directly. “I’ll tell them this is what I can get (from one cruise line), and often they’ll make a better offer,” she says. Esposito-Sheehan, though, says using a travel agency can eliminate hassles — before and after a trip.“By going through us, if you run into a problem at any time before, during or after the trip we’re here to provide support and handle it for you,” she says. “We want to make taking a cruise to be as enjoyable as possible.” E

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sail the caribbean on a

cloud cruising the old-fashioned way by janet groene

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEA CLOUD

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ailing on the Sea Cloud is a Caribbean cruise like no other. Since the day its keel was laid in Germany in 1931, the 360-foot-long yacht has been the focus of endless international intrigue. Owners have included brutal Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo, E.F. Hutton and his wife cereal heiress Marjorie Merriwether Post. The ship even served as the American embassy in Russia during the Stalin years. For even the most jaded cruisers it adds up to luxury living, steeped in history and serenaded by the rushing, sighing sounds that only a real sailing ship can make. Thanks to the yacht’s smaller size, compared to a traditional cruise ship, it can ease into relatively small ports. And thanks to Sea Cloud’s varied itinerary, passengers can string together two week-long bookings and see new ports each week. The earlier you book your cruise, the better the chance of getting one of a handful of original owner staterooms, which feature marble bath tubs and walk-in closets. Hutton’s master suite even has a fireplace. The original cabins are spacious and splendidly furnished but, to be honest, we found views and ventilation better in less expensive, more modern topside rooms. There are 34 staterooms, each with en suite bath, to accommodate a maximum 64 passengers who are served by an attentive crew of nearly the same number. Sea Cloud sails to a variety of locations within the Caribbean and Europe. This winter, set out for more exotic Caribbean locales such as St. Lucia and Iles des Saintes. Relax on the soft white beaches of Barbados, known as “little England.” Explore the tiny island of Jost van Dyke, home to only a few hundred people, and enjoy the chic French ambience on St. Barth’s, a celebrity hot spot. Our Caribbean cruise started in Barbados and ended at Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. We sailed

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part of each day, lunching on a buffet that ran the length of the promenade deck. Cocktails and dinner were served by spiffy staff in starched uniforms. The baker worked through the night, preparing a remarkable breakfast with seas of pastries and breads, hot dishes, hot and cold meats, a cheese tray and juices. A silvery coffee pot stays hot around the clock. On open water, the majestic ocean-going windjammer flies 30 sails totaling more than 32,000 square feet of canvas. Its mainmast climbs 178 feet above the deck, forming a dizzying network of rigging that comes alive as dozens of crew scramble about the yards. Veteran sailors would deem her “stiff” and “seakindly,” which means stability and comfort for passengers.

earning about the ship’s storied history is one of the highlights of a cruise. First named Hussar V, the yacht originally cost E.F. Hutton a cool $1 million at a time when a good crewman could be hired for $75 a month. No design feature was too grand for the Wall Street magnate. Hussar V was built with a state-of-the-art diesel electric system, a walk-in freezer and watertight steel doors that, at the time, were found only on submarines. Arriving in New York, Hutton shelled out an additional $95,000 in duty fees, a fortune during the Great Depression. One refit alone cost more than $3 million and required eight miles of manila rope, acres of sailcloth, hogsheads of varnish, and millions of hours of loving labor. When Hutton and Post divorced, Marjorie got the ship and rechristened it Sea Cloud. She later married Joseph Davies, United States ambassador to Russia. Everyone knew the embassy built for the Americans by the Russians was bugged — not to mention cold and ugly. For privacy and comfort, Davies and his socialite wife stayed on the ship in Leningrad. One of the most famous hostesses of the times, Marjorie stocked the galley with meat, cream, fruits and vegetables — luxuries for most Russians. Like many large yachts, Sea Cloud was commandeered early in World War II. According to Sea Cloud’s Web site (http://www.seacloud.com), “President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was a close friend of diplomat Davies, at first rejected ‘military service’ for the Sea Cloud on the grounds that the yacht was too beautiful for such a deployment.” But war woes caused a course change. Sea Cloud was stripped of its priceless art works, carvings and wood paneling by the U.S. Coast Guard. Pressed into duty as a U-Boat spotter and weather boat, Sea Cloud helped sink at least one German sub. Historians aren’t sure why she wasn’t torpedoed. It could have been luck, or it could have been that the Germans refused to blow up a ship built in their homeland. It may also have been because German skippers relied on the weather information that Sea Cloud broadcast in clear Morse code, available to all. After the war, Davies and Post reclaimed Sea Cloud, and sold the yacht in the

early 1950s to Rafael Trujillo, a buddy of the diplomat. The Dominican Republic’s famously corrupt strongman renamed the ship Angelita, and often threw wild floating parties attended by Hollywood starlets and international playboys. After Trujillo was ambushed and assassinated in 1961, his relatives loaded the yacht with loot and set sail for Cannes. However, the Dominican Republic’s new government scotched the getaway and alerted the U.S. Coast Guard, which seized the ship. Under a succession of subsequent owners, Sea Cloud lawnguished. Her brass corroded. Mahogany rails turned black and the sails rotted on the yards. A German group led by Hartmut Paschberg, an economist who doubled as a sea captain, finally rescued the ship in 1978, and restored Sea Cloud to its present state of grandeur. E

if you go… FOR RESERVATIONS for winter trips, call 1-888-732-2568. Prices start at $4,375 per person, based on double occupancy. UPCOMING VOYAGES on Sea Cloud: • St. John’s to Barbados: 12 days/11 nights, January 25 - February 5, 2010 Ports of call: • St. John’s, Antigua; • North Sound, Virgin Gorda; • Great Harbour, Jost van Dyke; • White Bay, Jost van Dyke; • Gustavia, St. Barth; • Terre-de-Haut, Iles des Saintes; • Soufriere, St. Lucia; • Chatham Bay, Union Island; • Port Elizabeth, Bequia; • Bridgetown, Barbados • St. John’s to St. John’s: 8 days/7 nights, February 22 - March 1, 2010 Ports of call: • St. John’s, Antigua; • North Sound, Virgin Gorda; • Great Harbour, Jost van Dyke; • White Bay, Jost van Dyke; • Gustavia, St. Barth; • Basseterre, St. Kitts; • Road Bay, Anguilla; • St. John’s, Antigua

last call

susan arbetter: why i love

boston by stacey morris » photo by wes bennett

or more than a decade, Susan Arbetter has been one of the most famous “voices” of the Albany region, first as co-host of WAMC’s The Roundtable and later as host of WMHT’s weekly political digest, New York Now. These days, Arbetter serves as a reporter for the Syracuse-based public radio and television station, WCNY, covering politics from her annex at the State Capitol. When she’s not stalking breaking stories and scoring interviews with heavy-hitting politicos, Arbetter loves returning to Boston (city of her alma mater) for an extended weekend of reminiscing over bowls of salty clam chowder and strolls through Quincy Market. “When you’re a student in Boston and you have no money, you find things to do that are inexpensive

and a little off the beaten path,” she says. “One of the ways my friends and I entertained ourselves was by getting jobs in Faneuil Hall in the Colonnade.” Arbetter was a student at Boston University from 1982 through 1986 and continued living there for several more years after landing a radio job at WBOS. Her decade-long stint as a Bean Town resident led her to discover some of the most tasty and colorful aspects of the city. “It was an orgy of food,” Arbetter remembers of her working days as a student. “Working at Faneuil Hall was a job, a meal-plan, and a social life all in one. One of my favorite jobs was at The Monkey Bar. I got to make fabulous fruit drinks…kind of like Tom Cruise in Cocktail, but I wasn’t nearly as good.” E

best place for… • Drinking a Creamsicle: The Monkey Bar, 1 Faneuil Hall Market Place, (617) 367-2110; www.themonkey barboston.com. “They make this delicious orange-vanilla swirl concoction that’s to die for,” says Arbetter.

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are made,” says Arbetter. “The shrimp and clam chowder are amazing. And their cocktail sauce is unique; the horseradish is crunchy and you can taste the ocean in it.”

• Classic Boston Fare: Durgin Park, 30 North Market Street, (617) 227-2877; www.arkrestaurants.com/ durgin_park.html. “They have great shellfish, clam chowder, a raw bar, and cod prepared every way,” says Arbetter. “The waitresses yell at you…they were precursors to the Soup Nazi.”

• Boston’s Signature Dessert: The Parker House, 60 School Street, (617) 227-8600; www.omni hotels.com/FindAHotel/BostonParkerHouse.aspx. “I love staying here. The rooms are small but gorgeous and plush, almost like a gentlemen’s club. And it’s where they invented Boston Cream Pie. It’s amazing, creamy and phenomenal.”

• Upscale Boston Dining: The Union Oyster House, 41 Union Street, (617) 227-2750; www.unionoyster house.com. “You’ll probably see the Kennedys or the mayor of Boston there; it’s where a lot of deals

• Exploring the History of Boston: “There’s a fantastic warren of cobblestone streets that surround Quincy Market,” says Arbetter. “It’s a little like going back in time.”

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