Festivals keep things humming along

It’s a mixed bag of fun events happening these next two weeks, including family-friendly festivals and a musical with memorable songs you’ll be singing all the way home. You could even take a chance and audition to be on stage yourself!

Catch the great musical “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck through May 20, presented by Johnny Dell and CENTERstage. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. This Tony Award-winning show’s songs include “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” and “Sunrise, Sunset.” Bill Ross directs the classic, with book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. Tickets are $26 for adults, $22 for seniors and children. Call 845-876-3080 or go to www.centerforperformingarts.org for more information.

If you’d like to be on the stage yourself, head to www.centerforperformingarts.org for more information on auditions for “The Threepenny Opera,” which will be held May 12 through 14. You too could be a star!

On Saturday, May 12, come out for Red Hook’s Apple Blossom Festival. Great music, fun children’s entertainment, delicious food and more take place in the village on South Broadway from 10am to 4pm. Proceeds from the festival are donated to the needs of the local community and the Red Hook High School youth scholarships. For information, contact David Wright at 845-750-2254.

Here’s another opportunity for the kids: DCAC Folk Arts Program presents “Greek Children’s Day” at the Hyde Park Free Library Annex at 2 Main St. At this interactive, family-friendly program, visitors will learn about Greek children’s culture through hands-on activities such as games, music, and dance. The event is free, on Saturday, May 12, from 1 to 2:30pm. For more information, call 845-454-3222.

Support a great cause: Dia:Beacon hosts its annual Spring Benefit on Saturday, May 12, a full day of art and performance that provides critical support for Dia:Beacon (3 Beekman Street, Beacon). This year’s benefit honors John Chamberlain (1927-2011) and features a performance of works by choreographer Yvonne Rainer and a seated lunch. The event runs from 11:30am to 6pm. Go to www.diaart.org/springbenefit or call 212-293-5602 for more information.

Put on your dancing shoes: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason and Friends of Fiddle & Dance present the Woodstock 2nd Saturday monthly contradance on Saturday, May 12, at 8 pm. This month: Peter Blue is calling with music by Tunescape. Join the fun at the Woodstock Community Center, 56 Rock City Rd. Admission is $10 for guests, $9 for members, kids under 12 are 1/2 price. For more information, call 845-246-2121 or e-mail office@ashokan.org.

Here’s another opportunity to be part of the action instead of simply in the audience: The Phools Parade is seeking artists, musicians, theater and puppet troupes, and students of any age to participate in the parade. The event kicks off at 2 pm on Saturday, May 19 at New Paltz Middle School, 196 Main Street. All ages and skill levels are welcome and encouraged. Floats are also allowed and encouraged. For more information, go to www.phoolsparade.com and find Phools Parade on Facebook.

It’s time for pets lovers to share in the fun: The 4th annual Pet Palooza at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck brings together local pet care businesses to raise much needed funds for the organization Partnership for Animals Needing Transition. ”Parrots for Peace,” the Rainforest ambassadors and spokes-avians for nature and wildlife, will be making an appearance. Gail Mirabella and the “Dynamo Disc Dogs” will be performing their high-flying acrobatics. There will also be an on-site rabies clinic, on-site micro-chipping, pet product and service vendors, dog agility demonstrations, live music, and food on Saturday, May 19, from 11am to 5pm. Admission is $10. Call 845-876-4000 for more information.

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