Editor's Note: August 2011

Galloping Away/Slow Parade

by Brian K. Mahoney, July 27, 2011

Summer gallops away now. But wait, that metaphor isn’t exactly right. Too much in the way of the heavy sound of hoofbeats, a missed opportunity, the rear end of an animal. That only partially captures the fleeting feeling of the weeks leading up to Labor Day. Perhaps it should be: Summer canters on, or, summer trots along. Summer is in full effect, its slow parade zigzagging like a fez-wearing Shriner in a mini car. August is the month of picnics, lawn games, pool parties. For if you don’t slow down now, you might find yourself breathless straight through New Year’s. But if you feel like hustling, there’s still a bevy of stuff to do in August.

Here’s a Top 10 list (in no particular order) of what I’m racing toward this month, inclusive of an event I wish was still happening:

Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice August 4-7
The second year of this world-class singing event, organized by internationally
renowned vocalists, has the cozy vibe of a small town affair that’s brought off with professional éclat. It’s got gospel, opera in the park, socially conscious sing-alongs, and performers for the kids like Uncle Rock, also known as Chronogram contributor Robert Burke Warren. www.phoeniciavoicefest.com

Saugerties Artists Studio Tour  August 13 & 14
Cultural Czar in Exile Mikhail Horowitz tells me that this tour—caveat lector: Mik’s studio is included on the program—is the bomb. Not in quite those words. In its ninth year, the tour takes art appreciation out of the (sometimes quite sterile) gallery/museum context and back into the domain of the art makers in their native habitats. (In addition, Czar Mik will be performing with his partner in satire, Gilles Malkine, at the Woodstock Fringe Festival on August 20 and 21.) www.saugertiesarttour.com

Warrior Dash August 13 & 14
Unfortunately, by the time you read this (after August 1), registration will be closed. But perhaps you want to venture out to Windham Mountain to watch hundreds of semi-crazed competitors jump over fires, swim through mud, climb a cargo net, and scale stone walls while running a 5K. Plus, the race is followed by a huge party with beer, bands, and food. www.warriordash.com

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival Through September 4
The master thespians performing under the big tent on the grounds of Boscobel in Garrison finally tackle the Bard’s magnum opus, “Hamlet,” this summer. I’m curious to see if HVSF does as well with tragedy as it does with comedy. Added bonus: Garrison Art Center’s annual outdoor contemporary sculpture exhibition, “Current,” is installed on the grounds of Boscobel through October 10.