A Message from Angela Brown, Hill and Hollow Music

Many folks can remember when downtown Plattsburgh was thriving with three hotels, a large department store, several fine clothing boutiques, a shoe store, a jewelry store, a pharmacy, a record store, an office supply store, a five-and-dime, and numerous bars. The uptown malls killed at that. The only establishments that are still there are Arnie’s and the Monopole!

But now there is huge momentum to re-energize the city center, and the arts are leading the way. 

Outside Art: Plattsburgh Public Art Project has produced some 20 murals on downtown buildings. Adirondack Regional Theater produces high-quality community theater several times a year. There are at least ten restaurants and a fine bakery. And there is a walking/bike trail along the beautiful Saranac River.

The Strand Center for the Arts is the anchor for all this, producing art exhibitions, live performances, and art classes for all ages. The Center’s gorgeous Art Deco theater, built in 1924, is now celebrating its 100th anniversary.

In the interest of contributing to the revitalization of Plattsburgh’s downtown scene, Hill and Hollow Music is experimenting with doing four shows at the Strand Theater during the 2024-25 season. For our small but high-quality organization this is a BIG RISK, but we want to give it our best shot, by presenting certain “acts” that will have wide community appeal yet will satisfy our standard for creativity and quality.

As a “local who has made good” in the wider world, Tim Collins fits the bill nicely. Along with Quadro Nuevo, Tim will play at The Strand Sunday, October 13 at 3 pm. 

Read more about Tim and this eagerly anticipated concert in Adirondack A&E e-News # 446 HERE.

Hope you can join us!

The Chapman Museum Presents

“At Your Service: Shirley McFerson, The McFerson Family and a Cast of Thousands”

Wednesday, October 9, 7 pm

Bea Roman, a retired teacher and volunteer at many local establishments, will present a special talk celebrating the life of Shirley McFerson, a beloved librarian, storyteller, and community volunteer, and her family.

Bea will discuss how the McFerson’s Hotel and Woodbine Motel, provided vital services to Black travelers during the 1940s and 1950s, a time when hotel and lodging discrimination was a practice in many areas of our nation, including this area. Bea will also explore the journeys of modern seasonal workers, connecting the past to present-day experiences of travel and work in our region.

This program is free but requires registration. To register, please call (518)793-2826.

Chapman Museum, 348 Glen Street, Glens Falls

East Branch Friends of the Arts Presents 

Susana Frade 

Saturday, October 12, 7:30 pm

Susana Frade is a Cuban classical guitarist who has won prizes in practically every major Cuban guitar competition and performed in all of her native country’s most prestigious concert halls. She has made multiple recordings and toured Europe and South America, appearing at guitar festivals and chamber music festivals. Susana combines a wide variety of music from Cuba with classical guitar repertoire, and plays everything with great style, rhythmic energy, and beauty of sound. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to hear one of the brightest young music stars of Latin America right here in our area. No reservations needed, suggested donation $10 EBFA member, $20 non-member.

Keene Valley Congregational Church, 1791 NY-73 Scenic, Keene Valley

Wells Memorial Library Presents Mindfully Created 

Wells Memorial Library, 12230 State Hwy 9N, Upper Jay

Keene Arts Presents

Shifting Baselines

Friday, October 11 – Sunday, November 10

Opening reception Friday, October 11, 5-8 pm

Shifting Baselines features the distinct yet shared artistic voices of sculptors Ali Della Bitta and Drew Goerlitz. 

The title explores how perceived boundaries between nature and human experience evolve over time and references the continuous environmental degradation at local, regional, and global levels as referenced through ceramic, steel, wood, and photography. 

Della Bitta’s masterful ceramic based works reflect the intricate beauty of the Adirondack wilderness, while Goerlitz’s striking steel sculptures and photo-based wall assemblages ask viewers to confront the impact of human activity on the environment. Together, their works create a dialogue about the shifting challenges of what is considered “natural” in our ever-changing world—especially in the High Peaks. This exhibition invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of landscape.

Keene Arts, 10881 Rte 73, Keene

In Case You Missed It

“Spreading a passion for piano in the Champlain Valley”

Ana Williams-Bergen’s piece in North Country at Work on North Country Public Radio profiled Rose Chancler, founder of Piano by Nature.

You can list to the interview HERE.

The View Presents

ADK Quilt Conference – 2024

Monday, October 14 – Wednesday, October 16, 2024

During the annual Quilts Unlimited Exhibition, View will host the 4th Annual ADK Quilt Conference. Choose from multiple workshops featuring both traditional and art quilting techniques, enjoy informal presentations from experts in the field and—best of all—network with fellow quilters.

Full details and schedule HERE.

The View Arts Center, 3273 State Route 28, Old Forge

Jay Entertainment and Music Society (JEMS) Presents

Contra Dancing 

Wednesday, October 9, 7 pm

Join us for a night of fun and laughs as you dance. Or, just enjoy the music—we have comfy chairs for you! 

No experience necessary. Fun for all ages.