BOATING

STEAMBOATS ARE HERE

RAQUETTE LAKE—Old time steamboats are cruising the waters of Raquette Lake until Aug. 21. Have a steamboat? Bring it to the lake. Don’t have a steamboat? Relax on the shores and watch the boats float by, or maybe even take a ride.

BOOKS

‘THE EXPENDABLE MAN’

PISECO—Local author Peter Pollak will give a reading from his debut novel, “The Expendable Man,” at Piseco Library Thursday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. The novel is the story of one man’s efforts to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

Nick Grocchi, the main character, is on the verge of completing a business deal in Turkmenistan when he is arrested in the middle of the night and tossed in jail. He develops a near fatal case of melanoma, which leads to his release to return to the United States for treatment at Albany Medical Center. This sets the gears in motion for a spine tingling thriller.

“The Expendable Man” will thrill fans of political fiction, especially those who love intrigue and fast-paced stories with suspenseful endings.

CHILDREN/TEENS

WILDLIFE ART CLASS

LONG LAKE—Children ages 7-12 can create, paint and express themselves in a summer art class custom-designed to each child’s ability. Paint and draw in nature Wednesdays through August from 1-3 p.m. at the Geiger Arena here. Call (518) 624-3077 to sign up. The fee is $3 per class.

SUMMER READING

PROGRAM

INDIAN LAKE—Indian Lake Library is hosting the New York State Summer Reading Program, “One World Many Stories,” for school age children during August: Puppet Theater Mondays at 12 p.m.; Vinnie’s Playhouse Tuesdays at the library at 11 a.m. and at Indian Lake Theater at 10 a.m.; and Nature in the Adirondacks and around the World Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Read-alouds at the library alternate with a movie based on the book at the theater. All school age children are welcome. Call the library at (518) 648-5444 for more.

CLASSES

YOGA IS BACK

INDIAN LAKE—Karin and Garet Church are again teaching yoga classes at Indian Lake Theater. Two classes / two levels are held each week through Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Bring yoga mats and two bath towels or a small blanket. Each class costs $10. Thursdays is the Intermediate class at Indian Lake Theater and Saturdays is the Basics class at Indian Lake Ski Hut.

The Churches donate their time to teach these classes; the fees are donated to the theater. Call (518) 648-5950 to reserve a class or classes

LEARN TO PADDLE

LONG LAKE—Paddling instructor Caleb Davis is offering free paddling classes Mondays and Thursdays during August. Anyone can come, but pre-registration is required by calling 624-2572.

Canoes, PDFs and paddles are provided. Meet at the Town Ball Field entrance to Jennings Park Pond.

Monday classes are for tandem paddling and are held from 9-11:30 a.m., 1-3:30 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m. The Thursday class is for solo canoeing and is held from 6-8:30 p.m.

CRAFTS & FLEAS

TWIGS TREASURES

LAKE PLEASANT—TWIGS Treasures House is open for business Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is on Page Street near the intersection with State Route 8.

Browse two floors of constantly changing arrays of antiques and slightly used furniture, household goods, toys and linens. To donate items call Letty Rudes (548-7077), Lore Frisk (548-4668) or Susan Thielking (548-6318).

CRAFTS FOR CATS

PISECO—Cats Limited of Hamilton County Inc. will hold its 21st Annual Crafts Fair Saturday, Aug. 27, at Piseco Community Hall from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

This is the group’s main fund-raiser and source of funds for its voucher program, which subsidizes spay / neuter for cats in Hamilton County. Support this worthwhile program by shopping and/or eating lunch. German food will return with wurst, German potato salad, peppers and onions.

Favorite crafters will offer homemade arts and crafts as usual. Some new crafters will be coming for the first time, offering many interesting and beautiful items. A genuine master potter will sell his handmade pots and who knows what else?

EVENTS

CRUISE INTO N. CREEK

NORTH CREEK—Main Street here is hosting Cruise Nights from 5-8 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 9. Classic car, sports car and hot rod owners are invited to display their cars.

The event includes trophies in a variety of categories, door prizes, live music and 50/50 raffles. There will be a “final” Cruise and Car Show Saturday, Sept. 17. For more go to www.visitnorthcreek.com.

FORGEFEST 2011

OLD FORGE—”Forgefest 2011 - A Tribute To Rock Legends!” will be held at the North Street Pavilion here Saturday, Aug. 20, from 12-10 p.m.

This one-time musical experience begins with local band Showtime hitting the stage at 12 p.m., followed by three of the best rock legend tribute bands anywhere.

These “tribute bands,” honoring John Mellencamp, U2, Journey and Van Halen, each look, sound and have the stage presence of all these groups at their prime.

Pre-event tickets are being sold on Forgefest.com for $15 each, as well as at North Woods Inn and Conference Center. For more call Jim Connerty at (315) 369-5456.

NIGHT OF

GOOD HARMONY

INDIAN LAKE—Indian Lake Volunteer Ambulance Corps will host The New Night of Good Harmony Sunday, Sept. 4, from 4-10 p.m. in Byron Park here as a fund-raiser. Admission is $5 each.

The event will feature the Jay Walken Band from Perth, Adirondack Acoustics, Ed Sokol, Pattty Yates and Jim Dunn. Hamburgers, hot dogs and draft beer will be sold. An adult must accompany children under age 16.

There will also be a 50-50 raffle and a raffle for either a barbecue grill or a kayak (not yet decided). There will be a shuttle bus from the park to homes in Indian Lake.

EXHIBITS

‘ALONG THE WAY HOME’

BLUE MT. LAKE—The Adirondack Lakes Center for The Arts is hosting Richard Lang-Chandler’s ‘Along The Way Home’ oil paintings through Aug. 20, when a reception will be held from 4-5:30 p.m.

In Lang-Chandler’s paintings “buildings undulate, skies and sidewalks are wildly dappled and perspectives seem to head towards some extraordinary other-worldly denouement.” Gallery Hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  and Sundays 12-4 p.m.

MATT BURNETT  EXHIBITS

BLUE MT. LAKE-See local artist Matt Burnett’s ‘Waterways’ installation and video at The Adirondack Lakes Center for The Arts here through Aug. 20, when a reception will be held from 4-5:30 p.m.  Gallery Hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  and Sundays 12-4 p.m.

Burnett is a painter, installation artist and instructor at State University of New York at Canton. ‘Waterways’ is a conceptual interface between the influence of water in cultural / entrepreneurial development and as a natural resource necessary for life.

FILMS/MOVIES/TV

CLONES INVADE ADKS.

TUPPER LAKE—The Adirondacks’ very own sci-fi thriller, “Recreator,” returns for a one-week engagement at the State Theater here beginning with a special screening Thursday, Aug. 25, at 11 p.m. attended by filmmakers and cast.

The film was shot in Tupper Lake and Lake Clear in the fall of 2009 and will be released later this year. It stars Stella Maeve (The Runaways and Gossip Girl), Alexander Nifong (Glee) and Jamal Mallory-McCree as three friends on a camping trip who discover a secret laboratory and accidentally trigger a deadly experiment that creates their duplicates.

The film co-stars Laura Moss and John de Lancie (Star Trek: The Next Generation) as the mysterious owners of the island where the three teens come ashore.

“Recreator” was recently awarded Best Picture at Philadelphia’s Terror Fest and praised at the Sci-Fi London Film Festival.

FIREARMS

TURKEY SHOOT SET

WELLS—Wells Fish and Game Club on Buttermilk Hill Road here will hold a Turkey Shoot and Open House Saturday, Aug. 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The rain date is Aug. 21.

Compete with rifle, shotgun, pistol or bow. Bring ammo; food will be served. For more information call Chuck at (518) 924-2065 or Nancy at 924-2110.

FOOD

FOOD DRIVE

UNDER WAY

SPECULATOR—Adirondacks Speculator Region Chamber of Commerce Office is holding a food drive until Sept. 10. Food pantry items may be dropped off at the chamber’s office in The Lane Emporium here.

The food will be distributed to needy Hamilton County residents through food pantries. Drop off non-perishable foods through Sept. 10 and at the Town Wide September 11 Remembrance Day Sunday, Sept 11.

SUMMER LUNCHEON

BLUE MT. LAKE—The Blue Mountain Lake United Methodist Church will sponsor a Summer Luncheon Saturday, Aug. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Blue Mountain Lake Fire Hall on Rt. 28, across from the public beach.

Angus burgers, Angus hot dogs, veggie burgers, salads, baked beans, cold drinks and strawberry shortcake will be available. Each serving of food is priced a la carte. Take-outs will be available.

A collection box will be available for a canned food donation to the local Community Action Food Pantry.

FLY IN TO EAT

PISECO—Speculator Lions Club will hold its annual Fly In - Drive In Pancake Breakfast at Piseco Airport (K09) here Saturday, Aug. 27 from 8-11 a.m. rain or shine. Adults pay $7 each and those under age 11 $4 each.

HISTORY

MUSEUM IS OPEN

WELLS—Wells Museum on Main Street here is open for the summer. This year’s exhibit honors veterans both past and present.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays during June and September and Fridays and Saturdays during July and August, or any time by calling Kathy Olsen at 924-7922.

AFTER THE FIRE

RAQUETTE LAKE—Join Raquette Lake Historian Jim Kammer at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Raquette Lake Library for a free discussion of the modern history of Raquette Lake after a fire destroyed the town in the mid-20th century. For more information call (315) 354-4005.

HISTORY IN PHOTOS

INLET—The Inlet Historical Society’s program at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, will be “A Photographic History of Inlet” in Town Hall. The public is invited.

Using photographs and postcards from collectors, former and current town residents, the town’s and his own collections, Charles Herr will present the story of Inlet and some of the people important to its growth in the 20th century in a chronological review.

The audience is welcome to participate in the telling of Inlet’s history. Everyone is encouraged to become members to support the society’s efforts to collect, preserve and present the heritage of Inlet’s people and their history.

RONDEAU AND BROWN

PISECO—Piseco Lake Historical Society will meet Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 7 p.m. at Piseco Community Hall on Old Piseco Road here.

David Greene will present “Cracking Noah John Rondeau’s Code;” and Charles Yapple, author of “Foxey Brown,” will be available to sign and sell his book. Everyone is invited.

LECTURES/TALKS

FOXLAIR AND VALENTINO

BLUE MT. LAKE—Join Elisabeth “Nan” Hudnut Clarkson Monday, Aug. 22, at the Adirondack Museum here for a presentation about the rise and demise of Foxlair, a grand Adirondack estate, and the family that built it.

Part of the museum’s Monday Evening Lecture series, “The Lost World of Foxlair and the Valentino Summer” starts at 7:30 p.m. It is free to museum members; others pay $5 each. For more call (518) 352-7311.

Richard Hudnut, entrepreneur and New York City businessman, often visited the Adirondacks with his family. In 1890 he discovered the Oregon valley in the Town of Johnsburg in Warren County, and by the turn of the century had purchased 1,200 acres of land there.

Hudnut transformed the valley into Foxlair, a lavish Adirondack estate. In 1922 Rudoph Valentino spent his honeymoon at Foxlair.

ANTARCTIC AEROMEDICAL

LONG LAKE—Travel to Antarctica with the flying medics of the 139th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Tuesday, Aug. 23, starting at 7 p.m. at Long Lake Library. This family presentation is free.

MUSIC

BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

NORTH CREEK—The eighth annual Upper Hudson Bluegrass Festival will open the gate to Ski Bowl Park at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, for camper parking. The music begins at 5 p.m.

All music is in 45-minute sets, continuous to about 10 p.m. each day. It starts Friday at 9:45 a.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. Sunday starts with a morning gospel hymn sing and service at 9 a.m. followed by more bluegrass bands.

The 12 bands are Cedar Ridge, Dave Nichols and Spare Change, Rivergrass, The James King Band, HoneyGrass, Acoustic Blue, Remington Ryde, American Roots, Goldwing Express, The Atkinson Family, Smokey Greene and Cabin Fever Band.

See the website www.upperhudsonbluegrassfestival.com for ticket pricing and more.

ACOUSTIC DUO CONCERT

LONG LAKE—Join legendary Central New York finger style guitarist Loren Barrigar and professional guitarist Mark Mazengarb for an evening of beautiful acoustic music at St. Williams on Long Point Thursday, Aug. 18. Depart from the village dock at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. concert. Call (315) 354-4265 for boat transportation reservations.

10TH MTN. DIVISION PLAYS

INDIAN LAKE—American Legion Parker-Benton Post 1392 and the Town of Indian Lake announce the 10th Mountain Division Concert Band from Fort Drum will perform a free concert in Byron Park Thursday, Aug. 18, starting at 7 p.m.

This group brings over 200 stirring performances to audiences throughout the Northeastern United States, Ontario and Quebec each year.

The band’s 40 members make up varied performing ensembles, including the Ceremonial Band, Concert Band, Rock Band, Jazz Combo, Dixieland Band and Brass and Woodwind Quintets.

In addition to their musical skills the members are professional soldiers, ready to deploy anywhere in the world as a battlefield security force.

BLUES PHENOM BOOKED

INDIAN LAKE—Acclaimed blues singer, songwriter and acoustic guitar master Chris Smither will take the stage at Indian Lake Theater Friday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m., part of a tour that will take him across the United States and across the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Norway.

The concert will be broadcast live on North Country Public Radio from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Smither’s latest album, Lost and Found, was released this year. “My priority was, and still is, performing live,” Smither has said. “I guess I still write the songs and make the records so I can go out and play.”

Smither’s songs have been recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Diana Krall, Emmylou Harris and John Mayall, among others.

For tickets and more information call (518) 648-5950.

JANIS IAN IN CONCERT

RAQUETTE LAKE—World famous songwriter, performer and author Janis Ian will perform in concert Saturday, Aug. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at Great Camp Sagamore here. With nine Grammy nominations, her songs “At 17” and “Society’s Child” are in the Grammy Hall Of Fame. Come to the barn at Great Camp Sagamore (only 120 seats) for an intimate night of music with this American music legend. Tickets are $30 / $20 members and may be purchased online at www.adirondackarts.org or by calling (518) 352-7715.

SUNSETS BY THE LAKE

INLET-Bill Staines will entertain at Arrowhead Park here Saturday, Aug. 20, starting at 6 p.m., part of Inlet’s Sunsets By the Lake Concert Series. The rain location is Fern Park Pavilion.

“Any new song that can live comfortably beside the well-worn songs of folk tradition has a good chance of surviving the test of time. Such, we believe, are the songs of Bill Staines,” says Charles “Sandy” Paton of Folk Legacy Records.

The Town of Inlet, Central Adirondack Association and area businesses are sponsoring the event.

STRIKE UP THE BAND

SPECULATOR—The Steven L. Smith Band will play at Oak Mountain Ski Center here Saturday, Aug. 20, starting at 7 p.m. The band has two CDs charted and has recorded with Crystal Gayle, Joe Bonsal of the Oak Ridge Boys and other notable folks. It tours the East Coast and is set for a fall tour in the United Kingdom. Visit www.slsmith.info and check it out.

JAM SESSION SET

LONG LAKE—A traditional music jam session featuring a variety of acoustic folk instruments will be held Sunday, Aug. 21, from 4-6 p.m. at The Knoshery, a short order snack stop with tables under a shelter near the town beach here.

Musicians of all levels are encouraged to come and join in, and everyone is encouraged to come listen, sing and dance. Some of the instruments typically used at these sessions are guitar, fiddle, dulcimer, mandolin, accordion, concertina, banjo and bass.

Music will be old time, Celtic, folk, bluegrass or anything anyone wants to play or sing. Members of The Bear Strings will be on hand to start off the music. For more call (518) 624-3879.

THE YOD SQUAD

BLUE MT. LAKE—The Adirondack Lakes Center for The Arts’ winner of the 2010 and 2011 “ADK Battle of the Bands,” Yod Squad, will return for Tuesdays At The AC Aug. 23. Yod Squad features local favorites Yod Crewsy, Brian Beaudin, Steve Signell, Jason Hall and Seth Hart and rocks classic tunes from the 1980s and ‘90s. Admission is $20 / $10 members.

MTN. DIVISION RETURNS

LONG LAKE—The 18-piece 10th Mountain Division Band will perform a free concert starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, at Mt. Sabattis Pavilion here. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music of these talented soldiers. Call (518) 624-3077 for more information.

STRING TRIO CONCERT

RAQUETTE LAKE—String Trio - Hope Grietzer, Rick Manning and Tom Hodgson - will perform a special concert at St. Williams on Long Point here Thursday, Aug. 25. The public barge departs from the Raquette Lake village dock at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. concert. Call (315) 354-4265 for boat transportation reservations.

NORTH COUNTRY ARTISTS

LONG LAKE—This year’s North Country Artist Concert will feature young local people as well as the Fat River Kings, a relatively new band in town, at the United Methodist Church here Thursday, Aug. 25, at 7:30 p.m., followed by a reception to meet the artists.

Alex Smith has just completed his sophomore year at St. Lawrence University. He will sing some folk and original compositions and accompany himself on guitar.

Kalila Smith is a summer resident and college student. She will play the classical viola, accompanied by William Yellott.

Ryan Yellott is a young resident who has trained as a classical pianist in Potsdam.

Fat River Kings is a genre-hopping American roots band playing unique arrangements of covers and original music and specializing in tight four-part harmonies. For more call 624-2056.

BOUNCE TO BOOGIE-WOOGIE

LONG LAKE—Renowned ragtime and boogie-woogie pianist Bob Milne has been officially recognized as a “National Treasure” by the Library of Congress.

He has traveled the world to play concerts for thousands and now he is coming to the Adirondacks for a very special show at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at Long Lake Town Hall.

Admission is $12 each. For more call (518) 624-3077.

PERFORMING ARTS

‘VIOLET’ THE MUSICAL

BLUE MT. LAKE—The Adirondack Lakes Summer Theater Festival moves on to “Violet the Musical.” Set in the South during the early days of the Civil Rights Movement, “Violet” follows a scarred young woman as she searches for a TV evangelist to heal her.

An Off-Broadway hit, this powerful story and energetic, toe-tapping gospel, rock, country and R&B score is based on the short story, “The Ugliest Pilgrim,” by Doris Betts. $20 / $15 members $5 kids under 12.

Performances will be Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. at Long Lake Town Hall; Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. at Tannery Pond Community Center, North Creek; Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. at The Arts Center here and 8 p.m. at View, Old Forge; and Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. at Newcomb Central School and 8 p.m. at Indian Lake Theater.

VISUAL ARTS

RUBENS AT THE HYDE

GLENS FALLS—A painting by the Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) is being exhibited at The Hyde Collection here while its prized “Christ with Folded Arms” by Rembrandt van Rijn is on loan.

The work, lent by the Detroit Institute of Arts, is “Hygeia, Goddess of Health” (1615).

The voluptuous, baroque figure of a semi-nude female is shown in the glowing, healthy flesh tones synonymous with Rubens and the subject.

“Christ with Folded Arms” is on loan to the Louvre in Paris. When that exhibition closes it travels to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and then to the Detroit Institute of Arts for exhibition beginning in February 2012.

OPEN STUDIO PARTY

WELLS—Sculptors John Van Alstine and Caroline Ramersdorfer will hold an Open Studio Party at the old Adirondack Lumber yard on State Route 30 here Saturday, Aug. 20, from 1-7 p.m. Stop by for a reception, meet the artists and tour the grounds. Bring friends.

WORKSHOPS

CAMERAS AND PAINTS

BLUE MT. LAKE—Artist Matt Burnett invites artists of all levels of experience to a painting and photography workshop on Castle Rock Saturday, Aug. 20. The fee is $40 / $30 members of the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.

Meet at 8:30 a.m. at The AC driveway. Participants will take pictures on the moderate two-mile climb up Castle Rock and paint at the top and on the trip back down. Bring lunch, water, a camera and painting materials (sharing is possible).

The artist’s work is currently on display in The AC Gallery; a gallery reception will follow at 5 p.m. Contact the artist for more information at burnettm@canton.edu.

LEARN GOURD SCULPTING

NORTHVILLE—Artist Michelle Heavner will teach Natural Arts Gourd Sculpting I - Intermediate Level Saturday, Aug. 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at BCON Corner, 99 North Main Street here. Bring lunch.

Choose from a variety of embellishments to complete a sculptured gourd. Using a power drill and sculpting tools, students will carve, stain or paint and seal their own designs on various shaped gourds. This is the first class of two in which the student deepens knowledge and improves techniques in this renewed art form.

Fees are $35 Sacandaga Valley Arts Network members, $40 others. Supplies are $20. Contact Heavner at 863-2134.

WOODWORKING WORKSHOP

NORTHVILLE—Jim Schreiner of Great Sacandaga Design Studio will teach Woodworking: Adirondack End Table Aug. 24-27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at BCON Corner, 99 North Main Street here. Bring lunch.

The Adirondack style combines traditional furniture making with materials found in the Sacandaga region: birch bark, twigs, logs and more. In this workshop a master furniture make will lead students through not only selection of materials and their preparation, but the journey required and the aesthetics that result in a fine end table.

The total cost of the three sessions is $190 Sacandaga Valley Arts Network members, $195 others. Supplies are $50. Contact: Jim Schreiner at 696-7065.

THE DEADLINE FOR COMING ATTRACTIONS IS TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE EVENT. ANNOUNCEMENTS MAY NOT EXCEED 130 WORDS. E-MAIL TO editor@hamiltoncountyexpress.com