Above: Ukelele virtuoso Taimane plays Proctors on Saturday

Tuesday, Jan. 7

Brass Tacks Poetry and Spoken Word
Come share your work, in-progress stories, poetry and more at this weekly open mic celebrating the poetry community. 
@ The Low Beat, Albany | 7 PM 

Line Dancing
Aaron Dritz’ ‘A’ Team of Line Dancers hosts this new weekly dance lesson featuring teacher Michael Lineback. The lessons are open to dancers of all skill levels and Frog Alley will be slinging cold brews. 
@ Frog Alley Brewing, Schenectady | 7 PM | $5

Wednesday, Jan. 8

Irish Session
Continue your new year celebrations with this evening full of traditional Irish music, song and dance.
@ Olde English Pub, Albany | 7:30 PM

Poetry Open Mic
Everyone who reads at tonight’s open mic gets about 10 minutes extra time per reader in lieu of a featured poet, depending on the number of participants. Alan Catlin will host. 
@ CREATE Community Studios, Schenectady | 7:30 PM 

Thursday, Jan. 9

5-Year Anniversary of Peck’s Arcade
Join the Peck’s crew for $5 wine & Dim Sum specials in celebration of their five years in downtown Troy.
@ Peck’s Arcade, Troy | 5 PM 

Local History Talk on Colonial Censuses with Dr. David W. Voorhees
Dr. Voorhees will lead this lecture on how and why population counts were taken in the colonial era, with a special focus on Hudson. A question and answer period and refreshments will follow.
@ Hudson Area Library | 6 PM 

Yeah Universe, Drew Wardle, Thanks
Albany indie rock and Saratoga psych-pop to kick off your weekend a bit early. Live on the edge.
@ Desperate Annie’s, Saratoga | 9 PM | Free 

Friday, Jan. 10

Exhibit Opening: ‘Space Between’
Featured artists Katherine Patterson, Mike Shannon and Josh Trombley will show work at this gallery opening featuring live music from Brian Fitzgerald. The exhibit will be on view through Feb. 12. 
@ Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Center, Glens Falls | 5 PM 

Exhibit Opening: Carol Law Conklin and Kris Gregson Moss
Fiber artists Carol Law Conklin and Kris Gregson Moss will show their works in this colorful art show hosted by North Country ARTS. The show runs through Feb. 14 with an artist’s reception Feb. 10. 
@ Clerk’s Office, Glens Falls | 5 PM 

Karl Bertrand
A solo set from the singer and guitarist of local jam/rock band Let’s Be Leonard–who also performs solo work under the pseudonym Jockimo Brown. He’ll be performing songs from both projects as well as a slew of newer material yet to be recorded.  
@ Mean Max Brew Works, Glens Falls | 7:30 PM 

Simon & Garfunkel Story
The immersive concert-style theater show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo using projection photos and original film footage as well as a full live band performing all the hits.
@ Proctors, Schenectady | 7:30 PM | $20-$50

Theory EP release party
Local band Theory will release their new EP Bed Full of Roses or Pool of Blood with a live performance. The cafe will also be holding food and drink specials for the night. 
@ Cafe Monacle, Cohoes | 8 PM 

Bachata Room
Dance traditional, modern, contemporary, sensual and urban bachata at LAX’s weekly Bachata Room lesson and dance party. Start the night off with a brief dance lesson (no partner needed) with Natalia Lemoyne Hernandez before social dancing from 10 PM-2 AM to bachata and salsa mixed with some kizomba, merengue, cumbia and Latin Top 40. 
@ LAX Restaurant and Lounge, Albany | 8:30 PM | $10

Saturday, Jan. 11

Racial Justice Book Discussion: ‘The New Jim Crow’ 
In this fourth session of the Showing Up For Racial Justice book discussion series, readers will share their thoughts on Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow.” The book explores “the rebirth of a caste-like system in the United States, one that has resulted in millions of African Americans locked behind bars and then relegated to a permanent second-class status—denied the very rights supposedly won in the Civil Rights Movement. Since its publication in 2010, the book has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list for more than a year.” Copies are being held at the Howe Library branch for those interested. For more information or with any questions, please email Capital District Showing Up For Racial Justice at cdsurj@gmail.com
@ Albany Public Library – Howe Branch | 1 PM 

Country Night with members of Skeeter Creek
Dave & Renee of the Capital Region’s favorite country group Skeeter Creek will perform from 7-10 PM, with drink specials all evening. 
@ Dock Brown’s Lakeside Tavern, Saratoga | 5 PM 

Moriah Formica
The singer’s first show of 2020 will feature a whole new set of songs. 
@ Wicked Eatery Pub, Clifton Park | 7 PM | $10

Vemilo plays the Underground
Musician and performance artist Vemilo will present his project “Formaldehyde” in the arts space.
@ Hudson Underground Gallery, Hudson | 7 PM 

Elvis Birthday Bash
Local bands Johnny Rabb, The Tichy Boys, and other special guests will kick off celebrations for the chart-topping “King” of rock n’ roll’s birthday. 
@ The Hangar on the Hudson, Troy | 8 PM | $15

Lost Leaders
NYC singer Peter Cole and two-time Grammy-winner Byron Isaacs (Olabelle, The Lumineers) most recently released their 2019 record Promises, Promises, jumping from the world of Americana to pop-rock. Come see what they can do.
@ Caffe Lena, Saratoga | 8 PM | $10-$20

Taimane & Her Trio
Hawaii-native ukulele virtuoso and rising star, Taimane, presents her full repertoire featuring Ramiro Marziani (classical guitar) and Jonathan Heraux (percussion).
@ Proctors, Schenectady | 8 PM | $25

Old Skool Night
It’s 35 and over only tonight as DJ YOUNG WISE and DJ SUPREME spin the oldies but goodies hosted by Supreme Team Productions. 
@ Executive Lounge, Schenectady | 9 PM 

Sunday, Jan. 12

Jazz Brunch Series: Tarik Shah and guests
Jazz bassist Tarik Shah (a.k.a. Groove Master) has performed with jazz legends such as Ahmad Jamal, Dakota Staton, Vanessa Rubin, Ellis Marsalis, Barry Harris, Pharaoh Saunders and Betty Carter. Shah honed his skills in both the jazz and Latin world with big bands such as the Duke Ellington Orchestra (performing for the inaugural ball of President Bill Clinton in 1992) and in small groups led by Red Rodney, Sir Roland Hanna, Abbey Lincoln, Harold Vick, Dr. Lonnie Smith and others. Reservations recommended. Please call (518) 915-1699.
@ Umana Restaurant and Wine Bar, Albany | 11 AM 

Sunday Comedy Showcase
RyN AHnHn, Nina Schwartzman, Padrick Smith, Cody Montayne and Special Guest Nick Heupel make up the evening’s comedy lineup hosted by Twon Wood.
@ Pint Sized, Albany | 7 PM