Thursday, Jan. 2
‘spillage’ by Yixuan Shao (above)
The first show of 2020 at the Averill Park arts space is composer and multidisciplinary artist-in-residence Yixuan Shoa’s exhibit (open through 6 PM) and public sound exercise (4:30-5:30 PM). “Spillage” is “a sculptural interpretation of Yixuan’s album “two breaths forward, one breath back,” exploring the effect of displacement of sound and the impermanence of materiality. Using sound, light, found objects, fabrics, and ink, it invites conversations and reinterpretations of preexisting surroundings, realigning the tension of contemporary politics and history.”
@ Arts Letters & Numbers, Averill Park | 4:30 PM
Talk: ‘Taking the Water in Saratoga’
James D. Parillo, executive director of the Saratoga Springs History Museum, will discuss the history of people coming to Saratoga to experience the springs.
@ Crandall Public Library, Glens Falls | 7 PM | Free
Comedy on Caroline
Comedian Erin Harkes hosts this comedy lineup featuring guests Tony Rogers, Dan Geurin and “Live From Las Vegas” headliner Linda Lou. The show fills up fast, so call (518) 587-7359 to make your reservation.
@ Gaffney’s, Saratoga | 8 PM | Free
Friday, Jan. 3
First Friday Art Exhibition
In addition to a live music set from 6-9 PM, enjoy the mural artwork of local artist Samson Contompasis on the walls behind the stage along with artwork from featured abstract oil painter Robert B. Eaton.
@ Savoy Taproom, Albany | 6 PM
Thinner Friends, Sisterhood of Sleep & Super Dark DJ Set
For Albany’s First Friday, enjoy a live, two-band lineup of Thinner Friends (“synth trash camp counselors from Troy”) and Sisterhood of Sleep (“etherial darkwave synth from Albany”) and dance the night away with the Super Dark Collective crew.
@ Pint Sized, Albany | 7 PM
Saturday, Jan. 4
Open Hours: Works on Paper
During this special weekend of open hours, explore the permanent collection of prints, drawings and photographs in the Manton Study Center for Works on Paper. An additional display of art thematically related to the National Theatre Live broadcast of “Hansard” will also be on view.
@ The Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Mass. | 11 AM | Free
NY Cat Film Festival
Cat lovers, don’t miss this celebration of the cats through international short films that inspire, educate and entertain. The producers of the film have agreed to give a portion of the proceeds to Schenectady county’s Animal Protective Foundation.
@ Proctors, Schenectady | 1 PM | $6 students, $9 adults
Murray Hochman’s ‘Plasticities’
The opening reception of Connecticut-based contemporary abstract artist Murray Hochman’s new exhibit, “Plasticities,” open through Jan. 31.
@ BoJo Trust Gallery, Hudson | 4 PM
Sunday, Jan. 5
Scott Sharrard
Sharrard, lead guitarist and music director of the Gregg Allman Band (2008-2017), has been hailed as an exemplary guitar player. His farewell song, “My Only True Friend,” co-written with Allman, earned a GRAMMY nomination for Americana Song of the Year in 2018 and his first post-Allman solo album, Saving Grace, reflects their shared predilection for fusing blues, soul, jazz and folk.
@ Caffe Lena, Saratoga | 7 PM | $14-$28
