Things 2 Do»
MUSIC CLASSICAL
Theatre Organ Concert, Proctor’s Theater, 432 State St., Schenectady. Noon Tuesday. Free. 518-346-6204. Free theatre organ concert featuring Carl Hackert and Pamela Sharpe. Presented by Proctors Theatre, United Health Care and the Hudson Mohawk Theater Organ Society.
Doric String Quartet, Union College-memorial Chapel, 807 Union St., Schenectady. 3 p.m. Sunday. $30-35. unioncollegeconcerts.org/collections/ concerts/products/doric-quartet-2-17-19. Serious musicians whose playing is infused with spontaneity and joy, this important British ensemble will be a mainstay of the series for years to come. Klugherz/heyman Duo, Ualbany Performing Arts Center, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. $10-$20. albany.edu/ pac/prime_performances. shtml?tab=tab2. Artists in residence at Colgate University, violinist Laura Klugherz and pianist Steven Heyman offer “An Evening with Beethoven” performing the violin/piano Op. 12, No. 2; Op. 23 and Op. 96 in anticipation and celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the great composer’s birth.
Saint Rose Camerata, Massry Center for the Arts, College of Saint Rose, 1002 Madison Ave., Albany. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Free. strose.edu/ campus-offices/massry-centerfor-the-arts/premiere-performances or 518-274-7804. Saint Rose Camerata presents an evening of 19th- and 20thcentury chamber music with works by Hugo Wolf, Antonín Dvorak and Robert Beaser.
POP, ROCK, FOLK, COUNTRY AND JAZZ
Joey Alexander, Piano, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, 32 2nd St., Troy. 7:30 p.m. Friday. $34.50-$44.50. troymusichall. org/shows_and_tickets/joeyalexander-piano_378_event. htm or 518-273-0038. Pianist Joey Alexander originally learned about jazz from his father, who introduced his son to a variety of classic jazz, gospel, classical, rock and pop albums. Today, Alexander has created an ever-more personal and powerful statement of his musical and artistic vision. His work continues to draw from his inspirations of the past, as well as his faith, band mates and the people, places and events he encounters, all while putting his own progressive stamp on the music by constantly exploring, both on stage and in the studio. Gangstagrass in Concert, Carl B. Taylor Auditorium, Schenectady County Community College, 78 Washington Ave., Schenectady. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Free, but registration is required. sunyschenectadyschoolofmusic. eventbrite.com. In 2006, New York City musician and beats producer Rench imagined what bluegrass and hip-hop combined might sound like. The result was a genre-demolishing recording called “Rench Pres-
ents: Gangstagrass.” Railroad Earth, The Egg, Empire State Plaza, Albany. 7 p.m. Thursday. $29.50. A bluegrass-influenced Americana band. Pianist Holly Bowling opens.
Sweet Megg & The Wayfarers, Hudson Valley Community College, Bulmer Auditorium, 80 Vandenburgh Ave., Troy. Noon Friday. Free. hvcc.edu/culture or 518-629-8071. Nyc-based Sweet Megg & The Wayfarers aim to transport audiences to a new world with music that incorporates elements of New Orleans swing, Harlem swing, Parisian cabaret and gut bucket blues.
Mardi Gras 2019, Proctors GE Theatre, 432 State St., Schenectady. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. proctors.org. $39.50. Get your krewe ready, carnival is coming. It’s time to light the flambeaux, toss the doubloons and Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler. Mardi Gras 2019 features the incredible music of Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Cha Wa, with a pre-show party celebrating the approach of Fat Tuesday with light fare and a cash bar.
DANCE PARTICIPATORY
Dance, California mix, First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, 405 Washington Ave., Albany. 8 p.m. Tuesday. $15. Dancing every Tuesday.
USA Dance monthly ballroom dance, Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany. 6 p.m. Sunday. $5-$13; free, 18 and younger. capitalusadance.com. Join us for our monthly ballroom dance for a fun evening of dancing. The event begins with a free lesson from 6:15 to 7 p.m., followed by three hours of dancing, with a dance demonstration around 8:30 p.m. Light refreshments and cash bar are provided. Dancing with music provided by Gary Burgess. Demo provided by Sherry and Al Dickenson.
PERFORMANCE
Ephrat Asherie Dance, Ualbany Performing Arts Center, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $10-$20. albany.edu/pac/dance_in_albany.shtml?tab=tab2. Israeli-born dancer Ephrat “Bounce” Asherie layers breaking, hip-hop, house and vogue combining the rawness of underground styles with a contemporary aesthetic in “Odeon,” a highenergy work set to a score by Brazilian composer Ernesto Nazareth that melds classical romantic music with popular Afro-brazilian rhythms.
STAGE
“4,000 Miles,” Albany Civic Theater, 235 Second Ave., Albany. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. $10$18. albanycivictheater.org or 518-462-1297. After suffering a major loss while he was on a cross-country bike trip, 21-yearold Leo seeks solace from his feisty 91-year-old grandmother, Vera, in her West Village apartment. Over the course of a single month, these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder and ultimately reach each other. “4,000 Miles” looks at how two outsiders find their way in today’s world.
“The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey,” Curtain Call Theatre, 1 Jeanne Jugan Lane, Latham. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $25. curtaincalltheatre.com or 518-877-7529. Flamboyant, optimistic 14-year-old Leonard Pelkey goes missing in a small Jersey town. As Detective Chuck Desantis investigates, the missing boy inspires the town’s residents to ponder how they live, whom they love and what they leave behind. “Emilie: La Marquise du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight,” Confetti Stage, 67 Corning Place, Albany. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $15. 518-460-1167 or confettistage.org. In Lauren Gunderson’s play, Emilie, Marquise Du Chatelet was a woman ahead of her time. An 18th-century mathematical genius and pioneer in the study of physics, Emilie returns tonight to defend her legacy and to answer the question she struggled with until the end: love or philosophy? Head or heart?
“Miracle on South Division Street,” The Ghent Playhouse, 6 Town Hall Place, Ghent. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $10-$22. ghentplayhouse.org/miracleonsouthdivisionst or 800-838-3006. The Ghent Playhouse kicks off the second-half of its 20182019 season with the hilarious kitchen-sink family dramedy, “Miracle on South Division Street.” This heartwarming fictional story by Tom Dudzick was inspired by a real Buffalo barber who claimed the Virgin Mary appeared to him and thus erected a 20-foot-tall statue in the neighborhood.
“Red Maple,” Capital Repertory Theatre, 111 N. Pearl Street, Albany. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $22-$57. capitalrep.org or 518-4457469. David Bunce’s comedy “Red Maple” is a love story for empty nesters. It makes its world premiere at Capital Repertory Theatre. In the two-act romp, set in the Albany suburbs, Bunce pits Robert Morton, PH.D.. and his wife, Stephanie, against John Hartley and his wife, Karen, in a careening evening of secrets, revelations and lies. The collective kids are finally on their own, and both couples, 30 years on, are coming to terms with what happens next—and wondering if it still involves each other.
Valentine Inspired Dinner Theater, Sand Lake Center for the Arts, 2880 NY-43, Averill Park. 5:30 p.m. Saturday. $40. slca-ctp.org or 518-674-2007. Three original one-act plays written by three area playwrights and starring some of the area’s greatest performers. Laugh, cry and eat as we serve up a culinary masterpiece for your stomach and soul. “Terms of Endearment,” Theater at The Copake Grange, 628 Empire Road, Copake. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. $12-$20. thetwoofusproductions.org or 518-329-6293. “Terms of Endearment,” adapted for the stage by Dan Gordon and based on the movie screenplay by James L. Brooks and novel by Larry Mcmurtry. Presented by The Two Of Us Productions, the award winning theater company based in Columbia County, in collaboration with
The Copake Grange. Shakespeare & Company presents “Hamlet,” Hudson Valley Community College, Maureen Stapleton Theatre, 80 Vandenburgh Ave., Troy. Noon Tuesday. Free. hvcc.edu/ culture or 518-629-8071. In celebration of its 10th weeklong residency with Hudson Valley Community College students, faculty and staff, Shakespeare & Company will present William Shakepeare’s “Hamlet.” After 400 years holding the record of “most performed play” in Western theater, the tragedy “Hamlet” continues to test our beliefs about love, duty, friendship, betrayal, grief and madness. “Circle Mirror Transformation,” Steamer No. 10 Theatre, 500 Western Ave., Albany. 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. Free. Theater Voices will present a staged reading of “Circle Mirror Transformation,” Annie Baker’s award-winning play about a collection of strangers who sign up to take an adult creative drama class in a small New England town.
COMEDY
Geek Comedy Hour, Eden Cafe, 269 Osborne Road, Albany. 7:30 p.m. Friday. $7.50. edenasc.com or 518-977-3771. Absurdist comedian Ed Smyth returns again to Eden Cafe with the all-quirky, all-silly Geek Comedy Hour. Ed joins comics Ethan Ullman, Carlisle Carey and Jerry Dymond in the show opener “Character Assassination,” featuring all-character comedy standup.
Improv Ladies’ Night: Galentine’s Day, Mopco Improv Theatre, 10 N. Jay St., Schenectady. 8 p.m. Friday. $6-$10. mopco.org or 518-5776726. Celebrate Galentines day with ladies night at the Mopco. It’s an evening of all-female, allimprovised comedy. Ladies get a discount at the cafe. Spontaneous Broadway, The Mopco Improv Theatre, 10
N. Jay St., Schenectady. 8 p.m. Saturday. $6-$15. mopco.org/ shows or 518-577-6726. A fully improvised musical experience inspired by the audience.
The Mopco Family Improv Show, 10 N. Jay St., Schenectady. 3:30 p.m. Saturday. $5-$10. mopco.org/ shows or 518-577-6726. An all-ages comedy show for kids, teens and adults. We use audience suggestions and willing volunteers to create stories, characters and songs off the top of our heads.
FILM
“Under Four Flags,” The University Club, 141 Washington Ave., Albany. 1 p.m. Sunday. $25. musiciansofmaalwyck.org or 814-441-0852. The 25-minute black-and-white movie was shot on location in 1918, mostly in France. Photographic Section teams, consisting of one motion-picture cameraman, one still-picture cameraman and assistants, were attached to each of the divisions with the American Expeditionary Force. The scenes are not staged and convey with great immediacy the devastation and death, the comradeship, drama, tender nursing, the tiny “baby tanks” of the day, and the everyday life of the doughboys “over there.” Musicians of Ma’alwyck commissioned composer Max Caplan to write a new score to accompany the film and premiered to great success in November. Written for violin, cello and piano, the accompaniment captures the feel of the movie’s content, while maintaining a contemporary perspective.
“Ocean’s 8,” Clifton Parkhalfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. 2 p.m. Saturday. Free. Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) gathers a crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City’s yearly Met Gala.
Exploring Books and their writers through film — “Jane Eyre,” Troy Public Library, 100 2nd St., Troy. 2 p.m. Saturday. Free. engagedpatrons.org/eventsextended.cfm ?Siteid=4294&eventid=3652 61&PK= or 518-274-7071. Join us for an in-depth exploration of several books from the Great American Read’s top 100 list.
Africana Film Series (Week 3 of 3), Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Gozzo Student Center, 41 Union Drive, Albany. 7 p.m. Tuesday. Free. acphs.edu/ africana-film-series or 518694-7359. Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will host its 15th annual Africana Film Series. Films featured in this year’s series have once again been selected by associate professor of Africana studies Kevin Hickey. This year’s theme is “Africans in Europe.” This evening’s film is called “100% Arabica” by Algerian director Mahmoud Zemmouri. The film provides a serious critique of Islamic extremism whether in Paris or in North Africa. Each showing includes food, drink, a full writeup on each film and post-film discussion.
“Alice in Wonderland,”
Clifton Park-halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Free. Come visit the ridiculous and exotic world of Alice’s Wonderland as created by the genius animators of Disney. Stay for the popcorn and sing along with the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter and all the cards.
“The Golden Dream,”
Page Hall, 135 Western Ave., University at Albany Downtown Campus. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Free. nyswritersinstitute.org or 518442-5620. The story of three Guatemalan teenagers’ attempt to escape poverty by embarking on a perilous journey to the
United States. Sponsored by the New York State Writers Institute as part of its Classic Film Series.
WORDS & IDEAS
An EMPAC Salon with director Johannes Goebel, Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC), 110 8th St., Troy. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Free. empac.rpi.edu/ events/2019/empac-salon or 518-2763919. Johannes Goebel will present some of his work from the time before he came to Rensselaer to become EMPAC’S founding director. The perspectives and positions shining through his personal music, texts, projects and thoughts may shed some light on foundational aspects of EMPAC’S building and program. Drinks and snacks will be served.
Smooth — The Silkworm at the Mystery Book Club, Cohoes Public Library, 169 Mohawk St. #2, Cohoes. 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Free. cohoespubliclibrary.org or 518-237-1723. Robert Galbraith’s “The Silkworm” is the second in the series featuring the detective Comoran Strike. Robert Galbraith is a pen name for J. K. Rowling who wrote another “little” series. Folktales & Stories with Pamela Badila of Diata International Folkloric Theatre, Hudson Area Library, 51 N. Fifth St., Hudson. 2 p.m. Sunday. Free. hudsonarealibrary.org or 518-8281792. The story hour will give families the opportunity to explore stories, told through generations, that formed the traditions and ethics of particular cultures. Readings about love by Irish writers, Irish American Heritage Museum, 370 Broadway, Albany. 7 p.m. Friday. Free (donations appreciated). irish-us. org or 518-427-1916. The perfect date night or Galentine’s activity. Join the museum ensemble for an evening of poetry, prose and song celebrating some of the greatest love stories as only the Irish could have described it. St. Valentine is buried in Ireland, so he has probably inspired some of the world’s most popular love poems.
Dr. Bridget Finn book signing, Market Block Books, 290 River St., Troy. 11 a.m. Saturday. Free. bhny.com/ event/mbb-dr-bridget-finn-book-signing-inspired-vagina-capable-penis or 518-328-0045. “Inspired Vagina Capable Penis” sex therapist Dr. Bridget M. Finn shares a frank and humorous collection of well more than 100 of her observations, thoughts and questions about sex and intimacy that she’s jotted down in 30-plus plus years and thousands of conversations with women and men, singles and couples.
Book review, Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Ave., Albany. 12:15 p.m. Tuesday. Free. 518-427-4300. “Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom,” by David Blight is reviewed by John Mcguire, attorney and historian. This is our annual Black History Month lecture.
Nonfiction Book Discussion Group, William K. Sanford Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Albany. 7 p.m. Tuesday. Free. colonielibrary.org or 518-810-0314. Titles to be announced.
Underground Railroad History, Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. 7 p.m. Monday. Free. bethlehempubliclibrary.org or 518-439-9314. A new interpretation of an old story. Learn about the local Underground Railroad from Mary Liz and Paul Stewart of the Underground Railroad History Project.
Colonie Tuesday Night Live Poets’ Corner, William K. Sanford Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Albany. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Free. colonielibrary.org or 518-810-0314. Local poets and writers of all ages are invited to share original written material in the form of poetry and short story at this open reading forum.
Writing Love, University at Albany Campus Center Room 375, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. nyswritersinstitute.org or 518-442-5620. Christopher Castellani and Lauren Wilkinson will discuss their new novels and the theme of “writing love.” At 4:15 p.m. in the Multi-purpose Room in the university’s Campus Center West Addition, Castellani and Wilkinson will hold an informal craft talk on writing. The events are sponsored by the NYS Writers Institute.
FAMILY FUN
Rock and Fossil Fun Fair, New York State Museum, 222 Madison Ave., Albany. 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. nysm.nysed.gov. Mine for minerals, forage for fossils, experiment with a river replica and more at the 3rd Annual Rock and Fossil Fun Fair. Be sure to bring your rocks and fossils from home for identification. With 10 science activities, face painting, balloon animals and prizes to take home, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to have fun with science.
CDPHP Bounce Bonanza presented by Ring Around The Spectrum, Albany Capital Center, 55 Eagle St., Albany. 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. $5-$15; free for non-bouncers. albanycapitalcenter. com/events or 518-487-2155. The Albany Capital Center will be hosting the inaugural Bounce Bonanza, two fun-filled, action-packed days of entertainment for the young and young at heart in the Capital Region. Kids of all ages will have a chance to bounce away in dozens of inflatable attractions. A variety of games and activities will be offered including food and drink. Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt, Camp Saratoga, Parking lot 1, 80 Scout Road, Gansevoort. 1 p.m. Wednesday. $3. wiltonpreserve.org or 518-4500321. Children will learn to use their senses to explore the outdoors during winter by working to complete a nature scavenger hunt. The program is designed for children ages 5 and older. Snowshoes will be available for rent. Registration required.
Family Gallery Tours with the Junior Interpreters, Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. 10 a.m. Saturday. Included with museum admission. albanyinstitute. org/event/product/junior-interpretertours.html or 518-463-4478. Enjoy a family-friendly gallery tour of exhibitions led by our teen volunteers, the Junior Interpreters. A fun, engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
Movement and Music with Abby Lappen, Hudson Area Library, 51 N. Fifth St., Hudson. 10 a.m. Tuesday. Free. hudsonarealibrary.org or 518-828-1792. Musician Abby Lappen conducts an hour of song, movement and community with children’s music and builds early literacy and children’s interests. Ages birth to 5 years old.
Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure, Proctors, 432 State St., Schenectady. 7 p.m. Friday. proctors.org or 518-346-6204. $20-$75. The show explores the unknown ocean depths, unlocking the mystery of the dinosaurs of the deep.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Brant Lake Winter Carnival, Jimbo’s at the Point, 7201 NY-8, Brant Lake. Noon Saturday. Free. facebook. com/pg/trilakesbusinessalliance/ events/?ref=page_internal or 518-3210076. Brant Lake Winter Carnival will again have spectacular outhouse races in memory of Davin Berg (with prize money totally $1,000), a human foosball competition, hockey shoot-offs, Adirondack curling, broom ball tournaments, free skating and children’s sledding hill, fry pan toss competition for all ages, vintage snowmobile display and parade, food, music and fireworks at dusk.
518 Sneaker Fest VII, The Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany. Noon Sunday. $10. the518sneakerfest.bigcartel.com or 518-727-1868. 518 Sneaker Fest is upstate New York’s premier sneaker and apparel convention. 518 Sneaker Fest is a family-friendly event where sneakerheads/enthusiasts buy, sell and trade footwear and apparel.
Russian Winter Festival, New Russia Cultural Center, 1550 Broadway, Rensselaer. 11 a.m. Saturday. $3-$6; free, children younger than 5. newrussiacenter.org/winter/festival-2019 or 518-382-9438. In its 11th year, the Russian Winter Festival is based on Russia’s traditional pre-lenten festival of maslenitsa. The event includes exhibitions, performances, arts and crafts, dance, music, costumes and food, all with a Russian theme.