The Roundtable

This week's Book Picks comes from Lily Bartels from the Open-Door Bookstore in Schenectady, NY.

Ancram Center for the Arts announced its 2026 season with five ambitious works that explore the themes of our times: polarization but yearning for de-escalation, finding love in an age of anxiety, art’s capacity to hold grief and remembrance, the human ethics of scientific advancement, and the psychic damage of war, even when soldiers return without a scratch. Co-Director Paul Ricciardi says “The times we are in call for questioning conventions and creative courage.” He adds, “We also lean in on the unique shared experience that theater offers to take stock and reflect on what keeps us open and humane while living in uncertain times.” To tell us more about this work, we welcome Paul Ricciardi - a Professor of Theatre Arts at the City University of New York - Kingsborough Community College - to the RT to tell us more.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are an author, lawyer, consultant, public speaker, and entrepreneur; her most recent book is: 'Race Rules: What Your Black Friend Won't Tell You' Fatimah Gilliam, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Robert Pondiscio, Political Consultant & Lobbyist Libby Post, and Former Times Union Associate Editor Mike Spain.

The Dog’s Gaze: A Visual History' is a unique visual history that examines the social bond between two species, shedding new light on the human condition through the eyes of our canine companions. Art and Cultural Historian Thomas Laqueur will tell us more about his book.

Bard SummerScape is an annual multi-arts summer festival offering programs in dance, theater, opera, music, and more.Highlights include the Bard Music Festival, SummerScape Opera, major premieres through Fisher Center LAB, and the Spiegeltent.Bard SummerScape is a must-visit destination for breathtaking, thought-provoking performances and gatherings in an idyllic Hudson River Valley setting. There is A LOT. So, we will get a preview of event with Gideon Lester - Fisher Center Artistic Director and Chief Executive.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Professor of History and International Relations at Vassar College. He is a specialist on the history of US foreign policy Robert Brigham, Senior Fellow, Bard Center for Civic Engagement Jim Ketterer, and Former Vice President for Editorial Development at the New York Press Association and a longtime editor of the Daily Gazette, Judy Patrick.

Stéphane Wrembel stands as one of the world’s most celebrated guitarists in the world. Originally from Fontainebleau, France, Wrembel is known for his masterful blend of jazz, gypsy swing, and world music captivating audiences across the globe with his unique sound. ‘Rolling Stone’ as called him ‘a revelation.’Wrembel is also a respected composer with original compositions in acclaimed films; ‘Midnight in Paris’ and ‘Vicky Christina Barcelona.’ Midnight in Paris one a Grammy Award for ‘Best Compilation Soundtrack.’ He also has an impressive discography of over 20 albums including ‘The Django Experiment,’ ‘Origins,’ and most recently ‘New Orleans II: Hors Serie.’Stéphane Wrembel Quartet will be at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center at their Indigo Room on Friday June 26th at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm. You can go to mahaiwe.org for more information.

We’ll preview the 49th Saratoga Jazz Festival happening next weekend! 2 days, 2 stages, and 22 electrifying artists from jazz to roots, funk, blues, soul, rock, indie, and beyond.This year’s headliners are R&B legend and “Godmother of Soul” Patti LaBelle and the New Orleans rock collective known for their triple-platinum hit “Wish I Knew You,” The Revivalists.The Annual summer event is filled with good times where you can enjoy craft beer, a local food vendor village, a fine arts and crafts fair, family fun, and more on SPAC’s idyllic grounds.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Joseph Palamountain Jr. Chair in Government at Skidmore College Beau Breslin, a writer and analyst. He recently retired from the presidency of Siena College and was a former NY Congressman. His new book is 'The Spirit of Philadelphia' Chris Gibson, Political Consultant & Lobbyist Libby Post, and Diplomat in Residence at Bard College. She retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2025 after over 30 years in public service. Her last post was ambassador to the SE Asian country, Timor-Leste Donna Welton.

For more than four decades, Anthony Mason has been one of the most trusted voices in American journalism, bringing curiosity, intelligence, and a steady presence to his reporting for CBS News. As a correspondent and former co-host of CBS This Morning, he's interviewed presidents, cultural icons, and some of the world's most influential artists.Now, Mason is launching a project that feels especially personal. His new series, 'Alchemy,' explores the creative process through intimate, long-form conversations with musicians and artists including Hozier, Paul Simon, and Nile Rodgers. But 'Alchemy' isn't focused on fame, success, or even the work itself. Instead, it asks a deeper question: how does creativity help people transform hardship, uncertainty, and experience into something meaningful?