Above: Canvases by Alex Waters, whose exhibit “Modern Daydreams” opens at Pause Gallery in Troy on Friday.
Photo: Richard Lovrich

FRIDAY, MAY 31

Art Exhibition: Culture and Wid EK
Over 25 handmade art prints from local artists Culture and Wid EK will be on display and select pieces will be for sale after the art exhibition.
@ Troy Cloth & Paper | 5 PM | Free

Opening Reception: ‘Art Stands Still’
In this exhibit, “contemporary artists and historians working in disability studies, gender studies, critical race theory, and queer theory—among other fields—have begun the important work of dismantling the conflation of freedom with movement.”
@ Collar Works, Troy | 5 PM | Free

Drag Queen Story Hour with Noelle Diamond
Noelle Diamond will dance, sing and tell a few stories in two sets as part of Drag Queen Story Hour. The organization “celebrates learning and play, encouraging kids to celebrate gender diversity and all kinds of difference, while building confidence in expressing themselves.” The show is recommended for kids aged 3-8.
@ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall | 6 PM and 6:30 PM | Free

Henry Johnson Charter School Art Show
Over 100 works of art by the HJCS students will be on display at the Cultural Center. Pieces range from paintings and sketches to sculptures and more.
@ African American Cultural Center of the Capital Region, Albany | 6 PM | Free

OBARO: PreViews—Art Exhibit & Workshop Series
Visual and performance artist OBARO will lead a series of cooperative performance and art workshops in which attendees will have the option to observe or participate “in a sequence of mild to moderately physical and engaging art-making activities to prompt reflection on their purpose, practice and position within the shared space while listening to music.” Following tonight’s workshop and opening reception, workshops will take place June 1, July 6 and Aug. 3.
@ Hamilton Hill Arts Center, Schenectady | 6 PM | $20

Opening Reception: ‘Modern Daydreams’ by Alex Waters
The Albany abstract painter will show a series of his vibrant and thought-provoking work at the Broadway art gallery. All paintings will be for sale.
@ Pause Gallery, Troy | 6 PM

Tony Rock
You may recognize comedian (and younger brother of fellow comedian and film star Chris Rock) Tony Rock from “Everybody Hates Chris” or as the host of HBO’s “All Def Comedy” and star of CBS’ “Living Biblically.” He’ll perform stand-up all weekend in Albany. Visit the link above for set times.
@ Albany Funny Bone | 7:30 PM, 10 PM | all shows $17

Switch Mob with Paradox Saints
Psych rock and alternative R&B join forces at Downtown Social.
@ Downtown Social, Glens Falls | 9 PM | Free

Taboo Drag Show
Wrap up your Troy Night Out with a drag showcase of local talents, presented by Trojan Womyn Productions.
@ The Bradley, Troy | 9 PM | $5

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

The Revolution Ball
In Our Own Voices presents this tribute to ballroom culture, born in the underground LGBTQ community of Harlem, New York City, where predominantly LGBTQ people of color found a safe space to express themselves through dance, fashion and performance art. The IOOV Ball will include open mic, runway, best dressed, “Vogue,” “Sex Siren,” “Realness” and “Face” competitions.
@ The Linda Performing Arts Center, Albany | 11 AM | Free

Hudson Food Festival
Riverfront Park will be full of food trucks vendors and live music. It’s an accessible and affordable way to dine in Hudson.
@ Riverfront Park, Hudson | 12 PM | Free

Kids Arts Festival
The Kids Arts Fest will celebrate 25 years this June with a collaborative art project with Electric City Bike Rescue. The organizations will create up to three rideable, environmentally themed “art bikes,” with smaller versions for the little ones.
@ Jay and Franklin Street, Schenectady | 12 PM | Free

Empire State of Mind Fashion Show
Little Miss & Mr. Ent present this local youth fashion show featuring designers from Albany, New York City and Connecticut. The event will include special performances by 2Hot4u, Black Diamonds and the Kings & Queens Drill Team, hosted by Lady-T with music by DJ Mr. CEO.
@  Empire Plaza Convention Center, Albany | 5 PM | $10-$30

Comedy against Cancer
Erin Harkes will headline this benefit show for The Mother Teresa Cancer Awareness Fund along Shafi Hossain, Jennifer McMullen and host Michael Lasch.
@ LT’s Grill, Niskayuna | 6: 30 PM | $12

Catskill Jazz Factory: Ladies of the Blues
Dominick Farinacci and Shenel Johns pay tribute to female blues legends—past and present—joined by a quartet of today’s top young jazz artists.
@ Hudson Hall, Hudson | 7 PM | $25

‘Parade’ presented by Master Class Performance Arts
This true story of the trial and lynching of a man wrongly accused of murder is brought to the Schenectady stage for its 20th anniversary, directed by Andrew F. Higgs and produced by Kelly Jaeger.
@ Electric City Barn, Schenectady | 7 PM | $20

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 2

Albany Comic Con
It’s the 10th annual Comic Con in the Capital City. This year’s convention will feature 20 comic book artists such as the legendary Eisner and Inkwell Hall of Fame artist Joe Sinnott (“Fantastic Four”) and the up and coming Nikkol Jelenic (“Getting a Taste For Killing,” “Women of Darby Pop”).
@ Red Lion Hotel, Albany | 10 AM | $5-$20

Veg Out 2019
A new, free, vegan street festival showcasing the best of local vegan businesses. Tapas-sized portions of vegan food will be available and a stage in the middle of Monument Square will host performances organized by Albany Symphony. The Arts Center of the Capital Region will have stations set-up for crafts and activities.
@  Monument Square, Troy | 11 AM | Free

Tangle and tarot, tea and talk
Explore the meditative art form of Zentangle, an easy to learn drawing method of creating shapes and images through repetitive patterns with focus and attention to composition. Enjoy complimentary tea and a tarot reading. Contact heathermendel@gmail.com to register as space is limited.
@ Mocha Lisa’s Caffe, Clifton Park | 2 PM | $45

Schenectady Pride Festival
Featuring the annual Drag Spectacular hosted by Champagne, live performances by local talent and vendors, Schenectady’s Pride Festival is fiercely coming into its own.
@ Jay Street, Schenectady | 2 PM | Free

Plays in Progress: Seeking Validation
Plays in Progress is a group of more than 30 professional playwrights, actors, directors and designers who meet regularly at Hudson Hall to workshop their ideas. “Seeking Validation” features the readings of short works written by members of the group.
@ Hudson Hall, Hudson | 3 PM | $25

Rainbow Pride Art sculpture reveal & Welcome Home Celebration
A visual, experiential and educational LGBTQ public art piece at Gateway Plaza, which will be the future home of Schenectady Pride’s annual festival. The welcome home celebration will include vendors, music and giveaways.
@ State Street, Schenectady | 5 PM | Free

West African Dance Classes
All ages and abilities are welcome to this traditional Ghanaian dance course led by Henry Okpoti of Wogbe Jeke Ensemble and accompanied by live drumming.
@ First Reformed Church, Scotia | 5 PM | $5-$7

Belle-Skinner
The “dark and nostalgic” singer-songwriter is currently working on her debut album. Check out was she’s working with as she serenades on the Peck’s patio.
@ Little Peck’s, Troy | 6 PM | Free

India.Arie
The four-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter plays Troy Music Hall in support of her upcoming album WORTHY (SoulBird/BMG), her first full-length album in five years.
@ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall | 7:30 PM | $50-$60

OPPORTUNITIES

ONGOING: The Collaborative magazine call for art and columnist submissions
The Collaborative is always looking for submissions of art in any medium (but ultimately digitally scanned or photographed to be featured in the print issue) for our full-page gallery feature of the magazine. Artists can send their work with a short artist bio and their best point of contact to kcusack@proctors.org.

If you are an artist living and working in the Capital Region, we want to work with you. The columnist section of the magazine covers writing, music, food, film, visual arts, style, theatre, dance and the creative economy. If you would like to share a recent discovery of artistic methods or resources, an anecdote about overcoming creative challenges, a “how-to” or epiphany, send a column submission of roughly 500 words to dking@proctors.org or kcusack@proctors.org. The columnist section is a resource for artists to learn from and connect with one another, come be a part of it.

OPEN CALL FOR COMEDIC STORYTELLERS: Mopco Improv Theatre
Storytime Time—the live comedy storytelling series hosted and curated by comedian/storyteller Ethan Ullman (“The Howard Stern Show” Kevin Allison’s “RISK!” podcast)—is looking for local comedians, storytellers, poets, performers and other funny people of all skill levels with comedic stories to share on stage. 

Pitch stories to comedicstories@gmail.com with your name, phone number and a brief synopsis of your story—include a beginning, middle, and end (no cliffhangers!) Stories must be true, at least somewhat funny, and 8-10 minutes in length. If your story is selected, you’ll be invited to perform your story at an upcoming Storytime Time event at the Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady.

The Arts Center of the Capital Region: The Art of Teaching program
The intensive program will teach artists how to run a class in an informal setting, including the development of curriculum, class marketing and management as well as navigating the classroom experience. Limited to 10 artists, applications are open until May 31.

CALL FOR MUSICIANS: Music @ Noon at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is accepting applications from professional and amateur musicians to perform as part of the Music @ Noon free community concert series. Concerts take place at noon for one hour on the second Tuesday of the month, Oct.-May.  Although applications are open to all musicians, artists whose performances do not require amplification are encouraged due to the acoustic qualities of the venue. Deadline for the 2019-2020 season submissions is Friday, May 31.

“Artists wishing consideration must submit the following materials:
– Biography or performance resume for each participating musician.
– Audio or video recording that represents the content and instrumentation of the proposed program to be performed.(Recordings that include musicians or accompanists not performing for the proposed concert will not be considered. Submitted materials will not be returned or retained for future consideration. CD format preferred. In lieu of physical media, artists may submit hyperlinks to their work samples.)
– The Music @ Noon committee cannot consider any application that contains broken hyperlinks or if the supplied media is unplayable.
– Written summary of the proposed program – program length: 50 – 60 minutes.
– Contact information including name, address, telephone and email.”

Send material to:
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Music @ Noon Committee
30 Second Street, Troy, NY 12180

Submissions are reviewed by the Music @ Noon Committee. Artists will be contacted by email or phone and should not call the Music Hall office to check on the status of their application.  Artists receive an honorarium of $150 for solo performers, $250 for duos, or $375 for larger ensembles. No honoraria are offered for performances by school groups.

The Arts Center of the Capital Region: Fall class proposal submissions
The Arts Center in Troy is currently accepting class proposals through June 1 in the arts genres of painting, drawing, mixed media, fiber arts, woodworking, jewelry, printmaking, dance/movement, performing arts, digital arts, specialty workshops, culinary, photography and more.

Classes should take place between September 9 and December 31, 2019. Proposal acceptance is based on studio availability, student need and proposal strength. Both short format and long format classes accepted (ex. Single day workshops or 2-10 week classes based on your curriculum.) All public classes scheduled are enrollment-based and must meet minimum enrollment in order to run.

The Third Annual Hudson NY Shorts
A short film festival featuring local and global filmmakers urging their audience to think, feel and expand.. With two program times of 70 minutes, each will include narrative and documentary shorts in genres including comedy, LGBTQQI, music video, drama, animation and experimental.

Industry professionals will judge the Best in Festival Short Film to be awarded $500. The Winning Screenplay will receive a reading and production consultation by HNYS. Submission accepted by June 8.