Immersive Art, Molten Glass & MTV Memories
Immersive Catskills art and glassblowing in West Hurley, a downtown Catskill celebration, Hamilton + Rostam at Bearsville, and a film about MTV's creative beginnings. Plus original art, holiday makers and coffee in Phoenicia.
November is here, and the Hudson Valley is full of surprises.
Rain in the forecast? Explore two creative indoor destinations: Catskill Art Space in Livingston Manor and a working glass studio at Woodstock Art Exchange. Then plan a weekend of music, community and a trip through MTV history.
Looking ahead: roots music in Woodstock and Kingston, original art at an accessible price, a holiday market in Hudson and a new coffee stop in Phoenicia. Go find something good. We'll bring the soundtrack.
Explore the Hudson Valley
Immersive contemporary art and a working glassblowing studio: two colorful places to spend a rainy weekend.
Step Inside a World of Light and Art in the Catskills
In the heart of Livingston Manor, Catskill Art Space brings ambitious contemporary art to a small Catskills village. Discover Sol LeWitt's monumental wall drawings, the immersive work of James Turrell and a new exhibition opening November 7.
On Saturday, November 7, an artist talk runs from 3–4 PM, followed by an opening reception from 4–5 PM. The galleries and Main Street setting make a rewarding rainy-day discovery.
Why we're circling it: Big-city-caliber art in an unexpected Catskills setting, with a fresh exhibition opening this weekend.
General admission is free. James Turrell viewing requires a separate reservation.
Details & visitor information
Where Molten Glass Becomes Art in the Catskills
Ever wondered how a glowing gather of molten glass becomes a vase, bowl or colorful drinking glass? Along Route 28 in West Hurley, Woodstock Art Exchange brings together locally made glassware, paintings, photography and a working glassblowing studio.
Browse the gallery and, when artists are working, catch a glimpse of the fascinating process of shaping molten glass.
Why we're circling it: A colorful, locally rooted indoor discovery that puts the craft of making art on display.
Glassblowing can be viewed only when artists are working. No live demonstrations or classes are guaranteed.
Details & visitor information
This Weekend
A downtown Catskill party, a special Bearsville collaboration and an evening with a boundary-pushing filmmaker.
Catskill Throws a Main Street Party
Catskill celebrates a new chapter for downtown with a First Friday festival marking the completion of Main Street improvements. Expect free live music from Lex Grey and The Urban Pioneers, a silent disco, a puppy pub crawl, pumpkin rolling and local businesses joining the fun.
It's part street party, part thank-you to the independent shops and restaurants that make Main Street worth exploring.
Why we're circling it: Live local music and a feel-good community celebration.
Outdoor event; check organizer updates in case of rain.
Details & visitor information
A Rare Reunion: Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam
Hamilton Leithauser, the unmistakable voice of The Walkmen, and Rostam, the influential songwriter and producer behind Vampire Weekend, share a stage again. Ten years after I Had a Dream That You Were Mine, their distinctive mix of indie rock, folk, doo-wop and sweeping pop returns to Bearsville.
Sam & Louise Sullivan open the show.
Why we're circling it: Two influential modern-rock artists and one intimate Woodstock setting.
Bearsville Theater · 291 Tinker Street, Woodstock.
Details & visitor information
The Wild, Creative Days of MTV Return to the Big Screen
Before music television found its formula, MTV's experimental series Buzz was a collision of art, music, film and underground culture. Director Mark Pellington brings This Is Buzz to Catskill, along with a curated selection of his influential music videos.
Stay for a post-screening conversation with Pellington, moderated by filmmaker Katherine Dieckmann.
Why we're circling it: A fascinating piece of music and media history, with the filmmaker in the room.
Community Theater · 373 Main Street, Catskill. Ticketed; advance booking recommended.
Details & visitor information
Plan Ahead
Bluesy folk-rock at Colony and vintage Americana at Assembly.
The Bones of J.R. Jones: Songs from the Radio Waves
For Jonathon Linaberry, the artist behind The Bones of J.R. Jones, the magic of radio is more than nostalgia: it inspired his album Radio Waves. His rugged blend of folk, blues and soul feels built for a room like Colony.
Songwriter Chris Kasper brings warm, road-tested roots music to open the night.
Why we're circling it: The album's love letter to radio makes this a particularly fitting Radio Woodstock pick.
Colony · 22 Rock City Road, Woodstock.
Details & visitor information
Pokey LaFarge Brings Vintage Americana to Kingston
Few artists make old-school American sounds feel as alive as Pokey LaFarge. With his sharp suits, infectious rhythms and spirited mix of early rock 'n' roll, country, jazz and swing, he turns musical time travel into a present-tense good time.
Georgia duo Cicada Rhythm opens with intricate guitar work and close folk harmonies.
Why we're circling it: A distinctive roots artist at an exciting Kingston venue.
Assembly · 236 Wall Street, Kingston.
Details & visitor information
On Our Radar
A holiday market in a historic factory, original art at an accessible price and a new Phoenicia coffee stop.
Hudson's historic industrial landmark becomes an indoor holiday market with more than 50 local and regional makers, seasonal shopping and live performances.
Why it's on our radar: A memorable alternative to the usual holiday shopping routine.
Nov. 27–29, Dec. 4–6, 11–13 and 18–20 · Hudson. Check organizer hours.
Explore Cannonball Factory Holiday Market
Chronogram's Night of 1,000 Artists brings together more than 250 regional artists and over 300 donated works, each priced at $150. Browse the art, meet artists and support the Chronogram Foundation's regional arts coverage.
Why it's on our radar: Original Hudson Valley art that can become an unusually meaningful holiday gift.
Friday, Nov. 13 · 6–9 PM · The Fuller Building, Kingston. Exhibition continues Nov. 14–15, noon–4 PM; see website for entry details.
See the artwork and event details
There's a new stop on Route 28 for coffee lovers, and it comes with some history. Good Boy roasts its beans using a rare 1930s cast-iron Gothot roaster and stocks treats from Hudson Valley favorites, including Overlook Bakery, Magpies and Fruition Chocolate.
Why it's on our radar: A cozy Catskills stop that combines serious coffee with locally made treats.
5573 Route 28, Phoenicia · Listed hours: daily, 8 AM–3 PM; check current hours.
Discover Good Boy in Phoenicia
Curated each week by the Radio Woodstock team.
If you find yourself somewhere in the Hudson Valley thinking, How did I not know about this? — tell us at promotions@radiowoodstock.com.
Those are exactly the places we're looking for.
We'll see you next Thursday.