The Bardavon 1869 Opera House
35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie
A jewel of an old theater, the 944-seat Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie has been a regional treasure since 1869. The Bardavon sports exactly the kind of eclectic calendar that a large venue requires to get by: everything from rock stars to orchestras to comedians and animal psychics. But the Bardavon has also shown some real imagination in its programming with classic film nights and Live at the Met HD telecasts. For more information, call the box office at (845) 473-2072 and visit www.bardavon.org.
Ulster Performing Arts Center
601 Broadway, Kingston
The 1510-seat Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) is a National Register property built in Kingston in 1927. It was acquired by the Bardavon in 2007, forming a powerful arts and performance alliance operating under the Bardavon name. UPAC presents topnotch music, dance, theater and classic films for diverse audiences, as well as extensive arts-based learning programs. For more information, call the box office at (845) 339-6088 or visit www.bardavon.org.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
200 Hurd Road, Bethel
A museum, a next-gen amphitheater and a very, very important (and preserved) field: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is every bit the Sullivan County anomaly that Yasgur’s farm was in ‘69. While the indoor/lawn Pavilion Stage draws the big acts and festivals in season, the Event Gallery hosts more intimate shows and programs year-round. Bethel Woods takes its mission as museum and community learning center seriously. On the website, a K-though-9 Creative Writing workshop receives the same level of billing as this summer’s Lynyrd Skynyrd/Bad Company concert. And even those among us who do not sentimentalize the ‘60s or deify its celebrities can’t help but be wowed by the beautiful landscape and layout. It is a spectacular spread with some stunning structures. The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is located at 200 Hurd Road in Bethel, on the site of the 1969 concert. For more information, call (866) 781-2922 or visit www.bethelwoodscenter.org.
Harmony Café
52 Mill Street, Woodstock
Harmony Café at Wok ‘n’ Roll in Woodstock is all-in for live music, with music six nights a week, scheduled weekly events such as open-mic poetry (Mondays), music open mic (Wednesdays) and a dedicated bluegrass night on Thursday. All kinds of bands play on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s a small venue with a pass-the-hat flavor, but, being in Woodstock, the folks who come out to play tend to be folks who can really play. Check it out at 52 Mill Street in Woodstock. Call (845) 679-7760.
New World Home Cooking
1411 Route 212, Saugerties
New World Home Cooking in Saugerties has been hosting live music for years. Its large, flexible space has accommodated everything from Latin dance parties with Soñando to intimate evenings with veteran and beginner singer/songwriters. As with so many of the best local venues, the talent roster here is actively curated and tailored to the space and the vibe. Says music manager Sid Orlando, Chef Ric’s daughter, “The energy in the room is critical.” New World Home Cooking is located at 1411 Route 212 in Saugerties. Call (845) 246-0900 for more information or visit https://ricorlando.com/nwhc.
Dave’s Coffee Haus
69 Partition Street, Saugerties
From the days when it was hard to say exactly what is was, Dave’s Coffee Haus in Saugerties has always been about curation – the finer things: wines, cheeses, craft beers and, once upon a time, cigars…and music. But if you are hearing fine cocktail jazz, let’s adjust the image here. Dave’s has a large sound system permanently installed, and caters to the roughhewn sounds of Saugerties rock. And yes there is a Saugerties sound: psychobilly, acoustic punk, modern rock and anything with a real kick. Dave’s is located on 69 Partition Street in Saugerties. For more information, call (845) 246-8424 or visit https://davescoffeeandwinehouse.com.
