Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

NEA Funding Cuts Hit Hudson Valley and Berkshires Art Organizations

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · May 12

The Trump administration has found yet another axis of grievance: art.

The NEA, under the Trump administration, has rescinded funding from MASS MoCA and several Hudson Valley arts groups, citing national interest—jeopardizing diverse cultural programming across the regio...

How Hudson Valley Businesses Are Responding to Tariffs

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · May 9

Small Hudson Valley businesses—from toy shops to wine importers—are facing rising costs and supply chain uncertainty as new tariffs take effect.

For many small businesses in the Hudson Valley, the last two months have been filled with unpredictability: rising costs, supply chain delays, and difficult discussions about the future.

Trump Administration Defunds Indigenous Art at MASS MoCA

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · May 7

The NEA, under the Trump administration, has rescinded a $50,000 grant to to MASS MoCA for Jeffrey Gibson’s exhibition “POWER FULL BECAUSE WE’RE DIFFERENT,” citing that the show “no longer serves the interest of the United States.”

The National Endowment for the Arts says Jeffrey Gibson's exhibition, “no longer serves the interest of the United States.”

Bare Bodies and Bawdy Bashes: The Hudson Valley Burlesque Business is Booming

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · May 5

The Hudson Valley burlesque scene is booming, with performers like Ginger Maraschino and Kate Beyond bringing bold, sold-out shows to venues like Unicorn Bar, Darlings Roadhouse, and Night Swim.

Burlesque is booming in the Hudson Valley, blending glamor, satire, and subversion—offering radical joy, community, and escape in an increasingly repressive cultural climate.

Kingston's Unicorn Bar Celebrates One Year of Queer Joy & Nightlife Tonight!

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · May 1

Unicorn Bar in Midtown Kingston marks one year tonight with queer line dancing, live music by the Unicorn Brass Band, and a performance by Lady Slipper.

Unicorn celebrates its one-year anniversary tonight, May 1, with Queer Line Dancing, live music, and the rollout of the spring/summer menu.

May Day Strong Rallies Planned Across the Hudson Valley to Defend Workers' Rights, Immigrants, and Public Services from Trump-Musk Billionaire Agenda

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Apr 29

Across the Hudson Valley organizers are gearing up for a month of May Day Strong rallies, part of a nationwide movement pushing back against what they call a billionaire-led assault on working families.

Workers, families, and immigrants will rally across the Hudson Valley this May to demand fair wages, union rights, and public services—and push back against billionaire-driven austerity.

Unearthed Negatives Reveal 1950s Kingston in New Photo Exhibit

3

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Apr 28

A newly opened exhibit in Kingston offers a rare glimpse into the city’s post-war life through the lens of Edward Budney, an amateur photographer whose archive of 10,000 black-and-white negatives was discovered at a tag sale.

A forgotten trove of 1950s Kingston negatives by Edward Budney debuts in a new exhibit at Friends of Historic Kingston, May 2 to October 31.

Lilly Screens in Saugerties with Patricia Clarkson and Thomas Sadoski Q&A to Follow

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Apr 25

Lilly, a powerful biopic about equal pay activist Lilly Ledbetter starring Patricia Clarkson, screens at the Orpheum in Saugerties on May 22. A post-film Q&A with Clarkson and co-star Thomas Sadoski will follow.

Patricia Clarkson stars in Lilly, the powerful true story of equal pay activist Lilly Ledbetter. Screening May 22 at the Orpheum Theater with Q&A to follow.

Weird, Wonderful Warren Street: 8 of the Strangest Items for Sale in Hudson

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Apr 21

Where in the Hudson Valley can you find a 19-foot-tall taxidermied giraffe? Only in Hudson. Known for its luxe antiques and high-end design, the city also has a taste for the weird and wonderful.

There's some jaw dropping and head scratching stuff for sale here.

Kingston Common Futures: A Community-Led Funding Program

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Apr 17

Applications are now open for Kingston Common Futures, a first-of-its-kind, community-led grant program investing $150,000 into Kingston-based projects.
#KingstonNY #HudsonValley

Grant applications are now open for the new initative Kingston Common Futures, which proposes to allocate funding for community projects in a transparent, democratic process.

Upcycled Kantha Fashion Brand Namai Studio Moves to Kingston

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Apr 16

Namai Studio, the upcycled kantha fashion brand founded by Bianca Kuttickattu, has moved from Sullivan County to Kingston’s Hasbrouck Avenue.

Namai Studio, fashion industry veteran Bianca Kuttickattu's line of upcycled kantha jackets and accessories, has taken off since launching in 2020. With a new studio in Midtown Kingston, the spot is p...

10 Art Shows to See in the Hudson Valley in April | Visual Art | Hudson Valley | Chronogram Magazine

3

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Apr 12

April in the Hudson Valley, and the art gods are feeling generous.
www.chronogram.com/a...

Ten must-see Hudson Valley art shows this April explore the uncanny, the mythic, and the everyday—through ink, paint, photo, and protest. Beauty gets strange, and strangeness gets beautiful.

Scenes from the Hands-Off! Rally on April 5 in Kingston | Social Justice | Hudson Valley | Chronogram Magazine

4

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Apr 11

On a drenching Saturday that would’ve sent most folks burrowing under blankets with a pot of tea and a streaming backlog, a few thousand Hudson Valley residents gathered in Kingston’s Academy Green Park for something a bit more elemental: the defense of democracy.
www.chronogram.com/r...

Despite pouring rain, thousands gathered at Kingston’s Academy Green for the national “Hands Off!” protest, rallying peacefully against attacks on democracy, public services, and civil liberties.

Sandra Bernhard Brings New Show "Shapes and Forms" to Peekskill April 24

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Apr 10

On April 24, Sandra Bernhard brings her latest show, "Shapes & Forms," to Paramount Hudson Valley in Peekskill, offering an evening of sharp-witted social commentary, music, and unscripted moments that have long defined her stage presence.

The indefatigable trailblazer of comedy, music, and storytelling is bringing her new live show, to Paramount Hudson Valley.

Highways and Hitchhikers: Artist Kirkland Bray's Surrealist Journeys

Reposted by Chronogram

Sleepover Trading Co. @sleepovertrading.bsky.social · Apr 2

One week until THE WOODS haunts The Avalon Lounge! ⚡️ Don’t miss this locally shot indie horror from Sarah Lyons. Big thanks to @chronogram.bsky.social for the shoutout!

#TheWoodsMovie #IndieHorror #HudsonValleyFilm #HorrorScreening

1 2

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Apr 3

Kirkland Bray’s surrealist landscapes come to life on the cover of Chronogram’s April issue. Hitchhiker Gathering, part of his Gathering series, depicts peculiar masses hitchhiking in opposite directions along Route 66.

Kirkland Bray’s Gathering series transforms found materials into surreal landscapes, blending abstraction and nostalgia.

Berkshires Rallies Support for LGBTQ+ Community Amid Turmoil

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Mar 27

In recent months, a growing number of Berkshire County organizations and municipal groups have intensified their efforts to support LGBTQ+ rights.

Local organizations and governments have come out in force since Trump's election.

Hy’s Fried in Egremont: Hallucinatory Chicken Shack, Dance Club, and Future National Chain

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Mar 21

Hy’s Fried in South Egremont is a roadhouse revival serving up gluten-free fried chicken, vinyl-fueled dance parties, and a surreal, Wes Anderson-inspired aesthetic.
ruralintelligence.co...

The chicken at Hy's Fried is driving people crazy. More than a restaurant, it way be about to take over the country.

Goddess Party Goes Unplugged in Saugerties | Music | Hudson Valley | Chronogram Magazine

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Mar 20

The Goddess Party returns with “Goddess Party Unplugged” at the Odd Fellows Temple in Saugerties on March 21 and 22. Over 30 performers blend ethereal harmonies, Bulgarian field songs, and punk anthems, with immersive “pink ’80s prom” visuals by BA Miale.
www.chronogram.com/a...

The all-women art choir will perform on March 21 and 22.

These Hudson Valley Restaurants Dish Up Underrepresented Cuisines | Restaurants | Hudson Valley | Chronogram Magazine

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Mar 20

A wave of new restaurants is bringing underrepresented cuisines to the Hudson Valley, expanding the region’s diverse dining landscape.
www.chronogram.com/f...

These Hudson Valley restaurants, many opened in the last year or two, are shaking up the local food scene with culinary offerings from far-ff countries ranging from Afghanistan to Palestine and the Phillipines.

Caramoor Turns 80 with a Showstopping Summer Season in Katonah | Music | Hudson Valley | Chronogram Magazine

1 2

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Mar 19

This summer, Caramoor celebrates its 80th anniversary with an expansive season (June 15–August 3) that blends classical icons, genre-bending innovators, and a generous helping of fresh discoveries.
www.chronogram.com/a...

Caramoor’s 80th season (June 15–August 3) features Beethoven, early opera, jazz, roots music, and cutting-edge performances in a stunning outdoor setting. Highlights include Yo-Yo Ma, Arturo O’Farrill, and Lyle Lovett.

Festival Founder Gary Chetkof on the Return of Mountain Jam in June | Music | Hudson Valley | Chronogram Magazine

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Mar 18

With its return in 2025, Mountain Jam promises to deliver a revitalized experience, celebrating music, community, and the enduring spirit of the Catskills.
www.chronogram.com/a...

WDST owner and Mountain Jam founder Gary Chetkof on the history of one of the Northeast's best-loved music festivals.

New Field Guide to Columbia County Released by Hawthorne Valley Ecology Program | Outdoors | Hudson Valley | Chronogram Magazine

1 2

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Mar 17

More than a mere taxonomy of flora and fauna, From the Hudson to the Taconics is a cultural and ecological love letter to the region, one that asks readers not just to observe but to engage.
www.chronogram.com/l...

From the Hudson to the Taconics is a new field guide that helps readers identify and engage with 36 distinct habitats found throughout the region.

Hudson Valley’s Top Startups Compete for Funding in Kingston | Art of Business | Hudson Valley | Chronogram Magazine

Chronogram @chronogram.bsky.social · Mar 16

On March 20, the Hudson Valley Venture Hub at SUNY New Paltz hosts "The Most Promising Companies in the Hudson Valley" at Senate Garage in Kingston. Ten startups, including Moonburger, will pitch for $20,000 in non-dilutive capital.
www.chronogram.com/l...

The Hudson Valley Venture Hub will showcase the region’s most promising startups at Senate Garage on March 20, awarding $20,000 in funding and fostering investment and innovation.