Valley Vines

Hudson Valley grooves to Latin moves

The Dutchess County Arts Council and the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum have wrapped up their five-weekend concert series highlighting ethnic folk music and dance traditions. The last concert on July 21 focused on Puerto Rican and Latino instrumental music and song played by regional ensemble Quinto Nivel.

The events provided an opportunity for children and adults to experience different forms of African-Caribbean music and song. Quinto Nivel (“fifth level”) is an ensemble cast of musicians from New York and Connecticut who perform a wide variety of Latino standards. Thanks to Arts Council and the Children’s Museum for continuing to inspire and delight residents of all ages.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

One of the original Woodstock festival performers who led half a million fans in singing, “One two three, what are we fighting for …”, his anti-war song, will be returning to the site of the famous 1969 concert. Country Joe McDonald is part of the lineup performing at Bethel Woods Hippie Fest on August 11. This time, he’ll have another unpopular war to lead the crowd in song about. For more information, ticket prices and directions, visit

www.bethelwoodslive.org. As in ‘69, don’ forget the rain gear.

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Any valley residents with great expectations for London this summer?

Even if the famous wizard of J.K. Rowling’s books is bumped off in the final edition (for those who have not run out to buy the final book of the series), Harry Potter lovers will soon be able to experience the world of wizardry, warlocks, witches and Muggles at Disney World. Not to be outdone by Americans, the English have brought “Dickens’ World” to life in the London suburb of Kent, complete with all the Victorian trappings. Hosting the likes of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Bill Sykes and bitter bride-to-be Miss Haversham, among the author’s many colorful characters, Dicken’s World (www.dickensworld.co.uk) can even arrange to have your children locked up in Newgate Prison if they dare ask for a second serving of gruel.

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Looking for something closer to home? Columbia County city of Hudson wins recognition

Hudson was chosen by Travel & Leisure as a city to visit this summer. Hudson is experiencing a renaissance, with its main drag, Warren Street, awash with antiquing, coffee shops and specialty stores. The city’s charm and Victorian homes add to its attraction. Hudson’s improvisational Stageworks Hudson (www.stageworkstheater.org), where Bryony Lavery’s American premiere of “A Wedding Story” will run through July 29, is a must for summer stock lovers. For a weekend getaway, Hudson may be a bit off the beaten path for some, but a great day trip for valley residents looking for something different to do.

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Lastly, some new businesses join our ever-growing number of entrepreneurial delights:

Global Compassion in Action ­ Conjures up visions of the old Dusty Springfield song, “What the World Needs Now.”

Universal Saints ­Enlisted to help disenchanted sinners on six continents.

Texas Lunch ­ Don’t have a cow, man! Have a steer.

The Fawn Group ­ Inspired by the plethora of Bambis that have overtaken the Hudson Valley.

Alter Ego Clothing Designs ­ To bring out the best in your multiple personalities!

Fields of Green ­ And we thought money didn’t grow on trees.

 

 

 

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