R5 Culture, Etc.

Louder Loudon

Are you a fan of Westchester native Loudon Wainwright III’s folkie songs? Well, so is he. For his most recent album, last year’s Recovery, the musician and member of the musically multi-talented Wainwright clan found inspiration in his own back catalog. Along with producer Joe Henry, he gave some of his old songs, including “Saw Your Name in the Paper” and “School Days,” a tune-up with some new arrangements. The result prompted Rolling Stone to write: “Wainwright’s voice sounds better than ever, adding the weight of history to songs that were poignant to begin with.” To hear these revamped versions, and perhaps some tunes Wainwright penned for the Knocked Up soundtrack, visit the Emelin Theatre on February 20, where he will appear as part of the venue’s folk series.

For Art Lovers

Photo by Ross Halfin

Henri Matisse Femme a la Robe Blanche - Advertisement -

If your true love cares not for chocolates and roses, tossing them aside for Chagall and Roy Lichtenstein, waste no time getting to For the Love of Art: A Valentine’s Day Exhibition in Peekskill. There, art dealers Yamet Arts, in celebration of their tenth anniversary in town, will display works by renowned masters (Picasso and Matisse anyone?) alongside 20 modern and contemporary pieces done by Hudson Valley residents. Even the exhibition’s location—the historic, brick-walled 1879 Hat Factory on Division Street—is a little bit romantic. For the Love of Art runs from February 15 to March 15. For more information, visit yametonart.com.

Magic Carpet

Every year you find yourself watching the Academy Awards, and you think you can walk the red carpet better than Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet, and Anne Hathaway combined. So why are you watching the awards in your PJs with a pint of ice cream? The Picture House in Pelham is offering you the opportunity to strut your stuff on the red carpet. You can dress like a glamorous A-lister, make a big entrance, and then watch the Oscars on the big screen while cocktails and dessert are served. And it’s not just empty pageantry: proceeds from the event go towards restoring the 1921 theater. “Walk the Red Carpet” takes place on February 22.

Photo By Robert Hoffman

In Harmony

You probably know of Ladysmith Black Mambazo from the work the ensemble did with Paul Simon on Graceland—way before those punks in Vampire Weekend got famous for combining the sounds and rhythms of Africa with rock music. Now, almost 20 years later, the a cappella group is still going at it like they’ve got diamonds on the soles of their shoes. Its most recent album, last year’s Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu, pays tribute to the man they consider one of South Africa’s greatest leaders. To hear those moving Zulu harmonies, catch Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Paramount Center for the Arts on February 8.