Maria Z Ensemble
The Maria Z Ensemble, under the direction of guitarist and composer, Maria Zemantauski, is a celebration of diverse musical styles — fiery flamenco, classical, Latin, roots and bluegrass. As one reviewer wrote, “Zemantauski has continually pushed the boundaries of the possible with her trusty 6-string, blending genres that have little or no business appearing on the same bill, much less in the same song.” Rounding out the ensemble is guitarist/mandolinist Sten Isachsen, bassist Bob Buckley (Bob Buckley is a multi‑instrumentalist with a 30‑year career performing across Upstate New York in a wide range of genres. In the 2000s he toured the eastern U.S. with the indie power‑pop band the Orange and later with the acclaimed Americana group The Kamikaze Hearts, both earning national radio play.In the Capital Region, he has become a sought‑after session and supporting musician, working with artists such as Motherjudge, Bryan Thomas, Tom McWatters, Mike McMann and the UnderDawgs, and Maria Zemantauski. Since 2023, Bob has been the bassist and harmony vocalist for the Edison Music Award–winning Jim Gaudet & The Railroad Boys, who perform regularly in Albany and at folk and bluegrass festivals nationwide), and percussionist, Brian Melick. Together, they create a refreshing, rhythmically-driven repertoire that takes the listener on a journey of traditional classics, innovative arrangements and stunning original compositions.
Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7:00.
Freewill Donation will be appreciated. Refreshments will be available.
Open Mic and Potluck in Memory of Laurie Fischer
It is with great sadness that we are announcing a special Open Mic and Potluck in Memory of Laurie Fischer who passed away last week surrounded by her family. It was one of her last wishes.
All musical genres, spoken word, and performances are welcome. Equipment will be provided.
Amy will be hosting.
Doors open at 6:30. Music starts at 7.
Sign up here.
There are time slots from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. If you are unable to sign up ahead of time, we will do our best to fit you in on Saturday. As usual, we'll wrap things up with a jam where everyone is encouraged to participate.
Please bring a dish to share.
Free will donations will go toward supporting Laurie’s son and daughter.
CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC has been cancelled
All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.
If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!
Sign-Up: 6:30 PM
Performances: 7:00 PM
Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.
Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.
Hvizdak Family Classical Benefit Concert
Join us for a special benefit concert in support of Emmalyne Hvizdak as she directs her USC Film School Graduate Thesis Film: Driving to the Funeral.
Emmalyne’s mother, Sherri Hvizdak, and her sisters, Moriah and Ellsbeth will be performing classical piano, voice and poetry recitation: Bach, Barber, Bernstein, Debussy, Fauré, Noyes, Poulenc, Schumann, Strauss, Tennyson and more.
Emmalyne’s father, Timothy, will join them in reflecting on Emmalyne’s creative journey into the world of film and her upcoming thesis project, Driving to the Funeral.
Free will donation will be appreciated. You can also support Emmalyne’s effort by donating here.
Rensselaerville's Attic Treasures
Rensselaerville Historic Society Fundraiser.
These uncertified antique appraisals will be offered by the following experts:
* Carlsen Gallery, Inc, Freehold, NY,
* Eric Pedersen, Rare Book Appraiser
* The Whistling Gypsy Jewelry, Rensselaerville, NY
$12 admission fee (includes one appraisal; $6 each additional appraisal)
Pre-register here.
Chili and Pie Fundraiser and Cake Raffle
Please join us for our annual Chili and Pie Fundraiser and Cake Raffle.
We are calling on all our local gifted cooks and bakers to donate a pot of chili or a pie! If you’d like to contribute, please email us at conklinghall@gmail.com and let us know what kind of chili or pie you’ll be bringing.
Get ready - Moonshine Mule is taking the stage just for you!
Freewill donations will be appreciated. Bowl of chili and piece of pie will be $5.00 each. Your support helps us reach our fundraising goal and keeps our community programs thriving.
CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC
All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.
If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!
Sign-Up: 6:30 PM
Performances: 7:00 PM
Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.
Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.
Hilltown Hoedown
The Rensselaerville Historical Society is having a Community Dance to benefit the RHS in memory of Janet Haseley.
Doors open at 5:30 pm, food provided by High on The Hog and more options. Dancing starts at 7:00 pm. Paul Rosenberg calling to live music by Tamarack. No experience needed. Families welcome.
Suggested Donation: $10
Margaret Bernstein Benefit Concert
Margaret Bernstein is an Internationally award- winning songwriter, flutist and
educator known for her Socially Awakened Songs and Uplifting Instrumental
compositions. Margaret’s virtuosity on the flute earned her degrees in music
performance from the Oberlin Conservatory and Arizona State University. She has
performed with the Albany Symphony and with Park Playhouse in Albany. In addition,
Margaret’s flute playing has appeared on over two dozen albums including an album
produced by Pete Townsend (The Who) and six albums on her own Growing Azalea
Music label. She is currently on the faculty of Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music.
Her many awards and recognitions for her original music compositions include finalist
in the Children’s Music category in the International John Lennon competition for her
song “I Can Be Anything” from her “Songs from SAFE through the arts” CD. Margaret
has written numerous songs for school choruses in addition to two original children’s
musicals, “The Little Seed” and “The Trees’ Song for Peace” for which she wrote the
book, lyrics and music.
The passion, which Margaret puts into her music, is also evident in her work as an
educator and advocate for youth. As a dually certified educator in music and general
education, Margaret has taught thousands of children across New York State. Her years
of teaching young children in Schenectady City Schools, an urban school district known
for its diverse and underserved population, lead her to create SAFE through the arts, an
arts based bullying prevention program, which she brought into prek, kindergarten and
special education classrooms across Schenectady School District through her non profit
organization, Azalea Blossom, until COVID ended in person classroom programs.
Margaret’s vision and work for SAFE through the arts continues. She is currently
pursuing her Doctoral Studies at Boston University (on line) in the prevention or
bullying and social violence through Music Education in order to be as knowledgeable
and equipped as possible to move the SAFE through the arts program forward. Her
goal is to reach the largest number of children possible worldwide. As part of her
vision, she plans on forming SAFE through the arts as its own non profit organization
and focusing on educational programs through television and other media. The sixteen
diverse puppet characters who help to teach the curriculum will be still be a part of the
program moving forward.
Margaret’s solo performance, which will consist of original compositions for flute and
piano as well as selections from the flute repertoire, will take place at 7 PM at Conkling
Hall in Rensselaerville. It is a benefit concert for her important doctoral work in the
prevention of bullying through Music Education. Free will donations are appreciated.
CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC
All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.
If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!
Sign-Up: 6:30 PM
Performances: 7:00 PM
Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.
Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.
Good Cause Theater Co. Mathilda Jr.
The Good Cause Theater Company is proud to present this summer’s production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical Jr.
Agust 8 at 2 PM and 7 PM
August 9 at 2 PM
Click here for more information.
CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC
All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.
If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!
Sign-Up: 6:30 PM
Performances: 7:00 PM
Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.
Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.
6th Annual Summer Social
🎉 You're Invited to Our Annual Summer Social! 🎉
Join us for a fun-filled day of music, food, games, and community spirit!
🎶 Live Music Lineup:
Mike Herman - Schoharie County Master musician bringing Finger-Pickin’-Good Acoustic Roots & Country Blues.
Trevor Collins - Albany based singer-songwriter and guitarist blends a diverse range of influences into a distinctive sound. He was nominated for Blues Artist of the Year.
🍔 Food & Treats:
TBD
Plus: Refreshing drinks and delicious ice cream!
🎯 Activities for All Ages:
Lawn games for everyone
Bubble fun for the kids
💛 Admission is Free! Donations are welcome and appreciated.
📍 All Ages Welcome | Rain or Shine In case of bad weather, all activities will be moved indoors.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Student Piano Recital
Come enjoy a night of piano performance with over 20 students of Sherri Hvizdak and David Spring —from young beginners to adult performers — sharing a wide variety of piano pieces.
Admission Free. Donations will be appreciated.
There will be a reception following the recital.
CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC
All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.
If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!
Sign-Up: 6:30 PM
Performances: 7:00 PM
Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.
Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.
The Laramie Project
R’ville Stage Creations are presenting
by Moises Kaufman
and the Members of Tectonic Theater Project
On October 7, 1998, a 21-year old gay college student named Matthew Shepard was brutally beaten and left to die tied to a fence outside of Laramie, Wyoming. His murder garnered national and global media attention, shining a light on the lack of hate crime laws and changing the way we talk about bigotry and hate in America.
The Laramie Project is a portrait of the community's response to Matthew's murder. Told in the style of documentary or ‘verbatim' theatre, it features a cast of 8 actors portraying 60+ characters. The play was written and originally performed by members of the Tectonic Theater Project, based on more than 200 interviews they conducted with Laramie residents, news reports, and their own personal journal entries. The Laramie Project has become one of the most widely-performed plays in America.
We are honored to be producing this show for Pride Month. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
THE LARAMIE PROJECT contains strong language and themes. Audience discretion advised.
Get tickets here.
June 12 at 7:00
June 13 at 7:00
June 14 at 2:00
FOCH Annual Meeting
You’re invited to our Annual Meeting on June 9th!
Join us from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, when the meeting will be open to the general public. Come celebrate a successful year with us, share your thoughts, and help shape another vibrant year of community programming at Conkling Hall.
We look forward to gathering with you and hearing your ideas as we plan for the year ahead.
Village Voices Concert Fundraiser
Village Voices celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with a special concert featuring music by American composers.
Freewill donations are appreciated.
Your support helps cover the cost of music scores, our accompanist, and other essentials that make these performances possible. Thank you for helping keep community music thriving.
Four Grads Piano Concert
Join us for an afternoon of music featuring four talented piano students of Sherri Hvizdak:
Patrick Close, graduate of Hartwick College
Christian Close, graduate of Greenville HS
Alex Platt, graduate of Greenville HS
Andreas Zenker, Homeschooled Graduate
Enjoy their talent expressed in the timeless music of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Ginastera, Granados, Mozart and Rachmaninoff.
Freewill offering. Reception to follow.
CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC
All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.
If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!
Sign-Up: 6:30 PM
Performances: 7:00 PM
Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.
Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.
Favorite Poem Project 2026
The Rensselaerville Library and Conkling Hall invite you to a celebration of poetry and community at our 21st annual Favorite Poem Project – led by our friend Rev. Claire North and featuring local poets, musicians, and YOU (our friends and neighbors).
Celebrate community, the human spirit and this place/planet that we love with your friends, family & neighbors. This year our theme is A Celebration of Community - Poems of Joy, Hope, and Connection! Bring a poem or song you love, by any author (including yourself) or come just to listen. . . and be ready to help us build a community poem together!
Sign up online or at the event. https://bit.ly/rville_poems
All ages welcome! Admission is free. Refreshments will be available.
CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC
All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.
If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!
Sign-Up: 6:30 PM
Performances: 7:00 PM
Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.
Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.
CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC CANCELLED
All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.
If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!
Sign-Up: 6:30 PM
Performances: 7:00 PM
Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.
Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.
Yankee Hearth Tales Are POSTPONED
Join us for the first R’ville Stage Creations’ performance of 2026 season.
Step into 1776 and experience everyday life in the Hudson, Mohawk, and Schoharie Valleys at the dawn of the American Revolution. This original vaudeville-style cabaret blends music, storytelling, humor, and historical inspiration to bring to life the voices of farmers, families, soldiers, and tavern regulars navigating a year that would change everything. Equal parts heartfelt and playful, this production celebrates ordinary people living through extraordinary times.
Friday, March 13 at 7 PM
Saturday, March 14 at 7 PM
Sunday, March 15 at 2 PM
Order tickets here.
CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC HAS BEEN CANCELLED
All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.
If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!
Sign-Up: 6:30 PM
Performances: 7:00 PM
Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.
Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.
New Year's Potluck HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Join us for the annual New Year’s Potluck sponsored by Rensselaerville Historical District Association.
Bring a dish to share, enjoy tasty food, great company and maybe even some music!
Fresh Baked Ham with Beverages available.
Admission is free. Donations are always appreciated!
Musicians of Ma'alwyck & Tam O'Shanter
We welcome back Musicians of Ma’alwyck featuring the original Max Caplan composition, Tam o’Shanter: A Musical Tale of Robert Burns' famous narrative poem about a drunken farmer, Tam, who after a night of revelry, rides home on his mare, Meg, through a stormy night, stumbles upon a coven of witches and warlocks dancing at a ruined church (Auld Kirk Alloway), shouts in excitement, and is chased by the demonic horde, only to escape across the Brig o' Doon, but not before the witches snatch Meg's tail, teaching a lesson about indulgence and folly. This unique concert promises a thrilling evening of music, poetry, and storytelling.
Admission is free. Donations will be greatly appreciated.
CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC
All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.
If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!
Sign-Up: 6:30 PM
Performances: 7:00 PM
Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.
Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.
Annual New Year’s Day Potluck HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO ICY CONDITIONS
Join us for the annual New Year’s Day Potluck sponsored by Rensselaerville Historical District Association.
Bring a dish to share, enjoy tasty food, great company and maybe even some music!
Cash bar for beer, wine, and prosecco.
Admission is free. Donations are always appreciated!
Winter Solstice Sound Bath
Experience the magic of the winter solstice with an immersive sound bath celebration performed by Wisdom Roots Wellness. Sign up by emailing info@wisdomrootswellness.com.
Bring a mat, blanket and comfortable clothes.
Donations will be welcomed.
CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC is being CANCELLED
All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.
If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!
Sign-Up: 6:30 PM
Performances: 7:00 PM
Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.
Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.
Hamlet Holiday Variety Show
A perfect event to finish up all the holiday festivities of the day in the Hamlet.
Join us after the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony for the Hamlet Holiday Variety Show featuring YOU. Sherri Hvizdak will be emceeing performers from throughout our Hilltowns Community.
As the name suggests, it will be a variety show and everyone is welcome to perform. If you are interested in performing, sign up by clicking here.
Doors open at 6 PM, concert starts at 6:30 PM.
Light refreshements will be provided. Drinks will be available at the cash bar.
Admission is free, freewill donation will be appreciated.
2025 Holiday Market
🎄 Join Us for the Annual Holiday Market!
Celebrate the season and support local makers by doing your Christmas shopping close to home.
We’re excited to welcome a variety of talented artisans offering handcrafted gifts, festive décor, locally sourced foods, gourmet treats, and one-of-a-kind treasures.
We hope to see you there!
CONKLING CAFE OPEN MIC
All musical genres, spoken word, and performance art are welcome. We'll begin and/or end the night with a jam.
If you're not a performer, we're sure you would make a great audience!
Sign-Up: 6:30 PM
Performances: 7:00 PM
Amy & Joe will be hosting. Admission is free. Equipment is provided.
Donations to the Conkling Café Open Mic fund are always welcome.
Autumn Leaves Concert
Village Voices, the musical staple of Rensselaerville, presents the Autumn Leaves Concert.
A variety of art, folk and pop songs along with individual solo performances.
There will be a reception to follow after the concert.
The admission is free. Donations will be appreciated and will help Village Voices with purchasing of sheet music, paying the accompanist, etc. Thank you!
We hope to see you there!
Day of The Dead Dance Party
💃 Who doesn’t love to dance?
Get ready to move, groove, and celebrate at our Day of the Dead Dance Party!
🎭 Come dressed in your favorite costume — spooky, silly, or spectacular — and join the fun.
🎶 Live music by 30Rack will keep the energy high and the dance floor alive.
🍹 Enjoy drinks and tasty snacks available at the bar
🎉 This is a free community event, and while admission is on us, freewill donations are warmly welcomed to support future festivities.
So lace up your dancing shoes, bring your best moves, and swing by for a night to remember!
THE ADDAMS FAMILY
R’Ville Stage Creations brings the creepy and the kooky to Conkling Hall in their production of Andrew Lippa’s THE ADDAMS FAMILY! You won’t want to miss this delightful dark musical comedy!