Past
Events
See some of the wonderful performances hosted at Stissing Center over the last few years.
Back to the Full Event list.
See some of the wonderful performances hosted at Stissing Center over the last few years.
Back to the Full Event list.
Clarion Concerts proudly presents an extraordinary evening with Cuban-American cellist Dr. Tommy Mesa and Argentine bandoneón master JP Jofre, two world-class artists whose collaboration brings together the soulful resonance of the cello with the fiery elegance of the bandoneón.
Step into the shadows with Dracula, Theatre on the Road’s flagship production, adapted from the iconic 1927 Broadway script by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston. Revived with chilling elegance and thrilling drama, this haunting tale follows the mysterious illness of young Lucy Seward and the dark forces believed to be behind it—Count Dracula himself.
SOLD OUT!! Pairing Wine with Comedians
Sip, swirl, and giggle at The Grapes of Laughs—a comedy and wine pairing show hosted by Ophira Eisenberg (NPR, The Moth), and featuring Michael Ian Black (Wet Hot American Summer, The State, Stella), hometown favorite Rachel Lenihan, plus Jenny J Rubin (NYC, Egremont Barn). A fantastic lineup of laughs!
Each comic’s set is matched with the perfect wine, blending bold reds, crisp whites, and big laughs for a night that’s part stand-up, part sommelier, all fun. 4 comics, 4 wines, all perfectly paired.
Presented with wine partner Fulton & Forbes Wine & Spirits, Ancram.
Martha Spencer is a singer-songwriter, mountain musician and dancer from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She grew up in the musical Spencer family and learned to play several instruments (guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass, dulcimer, mandolin) and flatfoot/clog at a young age.
Stissing Center welcomes back NPR’s Selected Shorts, presented by Symphony Space. It’s a live celebration of storytelling, where acclaimed actors bring unforgettable fiction to life on stage and on air. We are delighted to feature Jessica Hecht, Santino Fontana and Cindy Cheung for this exciting afternoon of stories.
Grammy® nominees R. Carlos Nakai and Will Clipman make their Stissing Center debut with a powerful blend of Native American flute and global percussion. Their longtime collaboration creates a rich, meditative sound rooted in tradition and connection to the natural world. Performed on earth-based instruments, their music invites listeners into a shared space of rhythm, reflection, and cultural harmony.
Join us for Stissing Center’s Harvest Sunset Celebration an unforgettable evening at Globe Hill in Pine Plains, with panoramic views of the Catskills, Berkshires, and Taconics. Savor a harvest-themed dinner by The Farmer’s Wife and enjoy soulful music from beloved Hudson Valley artists Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, with opening act Long Steel Rail. It’s a joyful way to bid farewell to summer while supporting Stissing Center’s mission to bring world-class arts programming to our rural community.
Pianist Terrence Wilson makes his Stissing Center debut with an exciting program including:
Brahms: Three Intermezzi, Op. 117 – Intimate and lyrical works Brahms called “lullabies to my sorrows,” revealing his most personal voice.
Rachmaninoff: Études Tableaux, Op. 39 (complete) – Nine vivid études, rarely performed as a complete set, filled with passion, color, and virtuosity.
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition – A musical gallery walk, culminating in the majestic “Great Gate of Kiev.”
An esteemed faculty member of the Bard College Conservatory of Music, Terrence Wilson was named “one of the biggest pianistic talents to have emerged in this country in the last 25 years” by the Baltimore Sun.
Not content singing the pirate song that has been passed down for generations, Paulette the Pirate Princess, along with her dog Waffle, set off on a worldwide, musical journey searching for her own song. With an original book and music by Scott Test, "Pirate Song" showcases eight beautiful new songs that rival any Broadway musical and features a cast of hand-crafted puppets. Get ready to set sail on a musical journey like never before as "Pirate Song" takes the stage with its unparalleled blend of storytelling, music, and puppetry!
The Little Nine Partners Historical Society of Pine Plains, NY, presents WIDOW’S WEEDS, written by Dyan Wapnick and directed by Robert Lyons, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
WIDOW’S WEEDS tells the compelling true story of Mary Ingalls, who in 1842 at 84 years of age applied for her husband Elihu Ingalls’ pension under the Pension Act of 1836, which extended pension benefits to Revolutionary War widows for the first time. Elihu had served in the NY militia and died in 1823 without ever receiving a pension. Unfortunately, nearly all of his service papersand proof of their marriage were lost, and Mary had to rely on oral testimonies to support her application.
“The project proposed by the Little Nine Partners Historical Society was among the most innovative we received,” said Dutchess County Historian Will Tatum, “This play brings a vital type of primary source record to life, places a spotlight on the experience of Revolutionary War
Veterans’ widows, and explores the lingering impact of our struggle for independence on our rural landscape. I look forward to personally attending the production.”
Paid for in part by Dutchess County.
The Neon Moons have been a mainstay of the upstate honkytonk scene, playing dance party nights since 2018. With half the band hailing from Texas, Louisiana, and California, and the other half from New York, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, The Neon Moons straddle the line between good old country western and East Coast blues-based jam band. In their own words “we run a loose ship around here.” Regardless of how you define them, you’re gonna have a good time.
Broadway musicians Rachel Handman and Keve Wilson join Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra for a show stopping performance, featuring music from Bach to Wynton Marsalis and from Astor Piazzolla to Aaron Copland.
Highlights from their cabaret show at Feinstein’s 54 Below will be included, as they perform selections from their unique and creative repertoire. They’ll weave personal stories from their lifelong friendship into the program, showcasing their shared passion for music from around the world.
Benji Kaplan effortlessly crafts his own brand of Neo-Classical Brazilian-infused music meets late Romantic-inspired compositions. A quirky crooner who adorns his voice with lush voicings and harmonies from his nylon string guitar, Benji has performed in a wide array of venues such as Cornelia Street Cafe, Dizzy’s Club, Rubin Museum of Art, Zinc Bar, Nu Blu, and the legendary Rio de Janeiro club “Beco das Garrafas” (Bottles Bar) among many others.
Part of our Coffeehouse Series, performed downstairs in an intimate setting on the Garon Suh Family Stage.
Join some of the Valley's renowned chefs as they prepare foods and flavors from the harvest season, paired with regional wines and spirits from the Valley's distilleries and vineyards. Then "shop the season" at a lively farmers market showcasing our local farmers and purveyors.
Stissing Center presents Grumbling Gryphons’ production of "Trickster Coyote Shares the Fire: A Native American Trickster Tale! “
In the story, “Trickster Coyote Shares the Fire” (Plains Indian Tale) Trickster Coyote cunningly outwits the greedy Fire Beings, risks his life and brings the treasure of fire to humans. Children will engage in becoming coyotes, fire spirits, eagle dancers and helping Trickster Coyote rescue and share fire with the humans.
What do you get when you mix bureaucratic nightmares, existential dread, and toe-tapping tunes? Kafkaesque!, the musical comedy you didn’t know you needed—until now. Join us at Stissing Center for a special concert staging of this off-Broadway hit, starring the original cast.
“From Start to finish Kafkaesque! is engaging, funny and even a little soulful.” - Front Row Center
“Cleverly crafted and brilliantly acted, Kafkaesque! is a campy delight” - The Theatre Times
“A riotous, modern, unique musical comedy” - Stage and Cinema
This show takes Kafka’s angst and spins it into song. Expect dancing executioners, singing cockroaches, and a healthy dose of “WTF?”—all set to a wildly entertaining score. It’s smart, weird, and laugh-out-loud funny.
The New York Theatre Organ Society proudly presents a special screening of the 1928 classic Speedy, starring the legendary Harold Lloyd. This beloved silent comedy follows a taxi driver navigating a wild day in New York City, packed with slapstick stunts and unforgettable scenes—including a cameo by Babe Ruth!
Providing live accompaniment on the Allen T321Q Theatre Organ is acclaimed organist Peter Krasinski, known for his thrilling, spontaneous scores that breathe new life into silent film classics. His performance will transform Speedy into a dynamic, once-in-a-lifetime cinematic event.
A toe-tapping great time! Join our musician-actors on a journey across America. Playing Bluegrass classics and bringing to life celebrated American Tall Tales. From Paul Bunyan to a classic Appalachian Jack Tale, this show is brimming with lessons and wild characters. Songs like ‘In the Pines’ celebrate this special music and tales from our country.
This curated collection features over 50 original works generously donated by artists and collectors from near and far. Every piece you bid on directly supports Stissing Center’s programming, helping us bring music, theater, and community events to life in Pine Plains. Whether you're adding to your collection or discovering something new, your participation keeps the arts thriving.
The Galen Pittman Quartet performs standards primarily from the American song book but with a modern perspective, reinterpreting the original song structures and the melody. The Quartet focuses on a deep exploration of sound heavily influenced by the great masters from both the jazz and classical worlds..
Learn through Play! Barefoot Adventures includes activities, games & challenges such as: obstacle courses, relay races, dance & rhythmic movement, basic sports skills & so much more. Our focus is fun, teamwork, health & fitness, character building and providing a healthy outlet of energy.
Five-time Emmy Award-winning composer Jeff Beal (Monk, House of Cards) meticulously composed the New York Études in 2021. These ten works for solo piano reveal Beal’s mastery of composition, voice leading, and harmony. The New York Études are the organic result of his commitment to bettering his mind, body, and soul in the face of his chronic illness, MS.
Due to disruptions in international travel, Twin Flames is unable to appear this season.
Four-time Canadian Folk Music Award winners Twin Flames bring their soulful sound to Pine Plains—with Chelsey June joined by acclaimed flutist and guitarist Ed Koban.
Expect heartfelt storytelling, Indigenous instruments, and genre-blending melodies in this powerful evening of music, connection, and culture. A celebration of healing, identity, and the joy of shared songs.
This fun traveling animal program is designed to educate children and families about animals, their welfare and conservation. Two by Two Animal Haven focuses on fostering kindness and empathy for all living things.
Meet a Wild World of Animals including Kangaroo, Parrot, Alligator, Snake, Bearded Dragon, Cane Toad & Tortoise.
Part of our Summer Children’s Series, sponsored by Stewart’s Shops / The Dake Family and Sugar Hill Farm.
The poignant story of the relationship between the director of a prestigious boarding school for Black and Brown girls and the valedictorian of the senior class. Who's the teacher? Who's the student? And does either of them belong in a girls' school?
The Whangara people trace their ancestry to Paikea, who rode a whale to safety. Chiefs, always first-born males, are seen as his descendants. Pai, an 11-year-old girl, must challenge tradition and her grandfather to claim her destiny as leader. PRESENTED BY STISSING CENTER AND THE PINE PLAINS FREE LIBRARY
Nova Scotian sisters Cassie and Maggie modernize Celtic traditions with captivating performances, blending heritage and innovation. With global acclaim and awards like JUNO nominations, they continue to enchant audiences worldwide.
With a playful blend of classic striptease, outrageous comedy, and unexpected twists, the RoundTop Revue is part variety show, part performance art, and all fun. Perfect for a night out with friends or anyone ready to experience a truly unforgettable theatrical romp.
Host Sir Richard Castle welcomes performers including Evil Hate Monkey, Boo Boo Darlin', The Maine Attraction, Ellie Steingraeber and Tansy - all veteran burlesque performers from such New York City burlesque venues as The Slipper Room and The Box.
Whether you're a burlesque fan or just burlesque-curious, prepare for a night that’s bold, bawdy, and full of surprises.
Pirate School! is a lively, interactive show where David Engel's pirate professor teaches kids 4+ the art of fun mischief through games, magic, puppetry, and slapstick. Now in its 24th season, it delights families nationwide, blending humor with lessons in courage and good behavior.
Tangent Theatre Company returns to Stissing Center with a contemporary, emotionally complex play reading: the award-winning BETRAYAL by Harold Pinter. Featuring a select ensemble of actors, the story follows a triangle of love and deceit, as it unravels in an innovative, unexpected way.
