Above: Olivia Quillio plays ACE’s Creative Economy Mixer in Schenectady Thursday (as well as a set at Spotty Dog in Hudson with Greens on Saturday). Photo: Robert Cooper
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Taco n’ Loteria
Ben from New Belgium will be pouring Mural and Agua Fresca Cerveza as you play loteria, or Mexican bingo, a traditional game of chance using beautifully drawn cards rather than ping pong balls. Taco menu includes beef, spicy pork, smokey tofu (vegan cheese available) and ranchero chicken. Prizes await you!
@ Elixir16, Troy | 7 PM
Gypsy Jazz Jam
Collar City Guitars hosts this evening celebrating the stylings of of Django Reinhardt and other classic gypsy and jazz standards. Attendees are welcome to listen, play, sing, or strum along.
@ Ale House, Troy | 7 PM
Canned Laughs: Open Mic Comedy
Twon Wood hosts this comedy open mic. Sign-up starts at 8 PM and the show starts at 9 PM.
@ Pint Sized, Albany | 8 PM
Wednesday, Jan. 22
R&B Night
Host Kylla and DJ CEO will be playing the best R&B hits for your midweek slump plus live performances and a few surprises.
@ Troy Kitchen | 7 PM
ACE Mixer featuring Olivia Quillio
At the first creative economy mixer of the year, enjoy music by Troy singer-songwriter Olivia Quillio, curated by The Collaborative, a creative activity courtesy of CREATE Community Studios, food provided by Bountiful Bread, drinks and much more! Register at the link here.
@ Frog Alley Brewing, Schenectady | 5:30 PM | Free
Poetry in Science Reading Series
Capital Region poets Sally Rhoades, Tess Lecuyer, Mark Ó Brian and Thomas Corrado will read selections of their works that have been inspired by the sciences. Dr. Kate Gillespie will share her and selected scientist’s poetic words.
@ Nine Pin Cider, Albany | 7 PM
Thursday, Jan. 23
Meet the Author Series – John A. Miller
“Historic Theaters of New York’s Capital District” by Albany author John A. Miller (2018, The History Press) provides interesting anecdotes and a comprehensive history of the surprisingly high number of theaters that graced our local streetscapes in the early 20th century. The extensive collection of black and white photos Miller has pulled from local archives provide a fascinating glimpse into simpler times, when local entertainment was a mainstay in the American life and a way to maintain contact with the pulse of what was going on culturally in the rest of America. Meet Miller and get a book signed, learn a little about Schenectady’s history and check out the other cool finds in the store.
@ The Schenectady Trading Company | 5 PM
Black Theatre Troupe presents ‘The Niceties’
“The Niceties,” by Eleanor Burgess and directed by Jean-Remy Monnay, follows Zoe–a black college student at a liberal arts college–who is called in to her white professor’s office to discuss her paper on slavery’s effect on the American Revolution. What begins in a polite clash in perspectives explodes into an urgent debate about race, history, and power. The production will run through Sunday, Jan. 26 with 8 PM showings, save for Sunday’s 3 PM show.
@ Siena College, Foy Hall – Beaudoin Theatre, Loudenville | 8 PM | $10-$15
Lost Drones, Turf ‘N Turf, Turbine Sunrise
An all-Albany lineup of psych-rock, blues/noise and alternative sets.
@ Desperate Annie’s, Saratoga | 9 PM
Friday, Jan. 24
Opening Reception: ‘Two Truths’ by Laylah Ali and Kenny Rivero
“Two Truths” asks the question: How is truth woven into the narratives we tell ourselves and each other? Curated by guest curators Elizabeth Dubben and Kathy Greenwood, the exhibition alludes to our current socio-political climate and ways that perception motivates point of view. Rivero’s allusive gestural paintings refer to memories and symbols that lie beyond the picture frame. Ali’s bright and precise gouache paintings contain images that suggest underlying power struggles. The artists will discuss their works, moderated by Saint Rose Associate Professor of English Rone Shavers in Picotte Recital Hall at 7 PM.
@ Esther Massry Gallery at Saint Rose, Albany | 5 PM
Sketch Comedy Workshop
Led by comedy writer Sandy McKnight, take part in this workshop focusing on the writing process of sketch comedy–coming up with funny concepts, characters, situations and punchlines. Please register at the link above.
@ Voorheesville Public Library | 6 PM
A Tribute to Toni Morrison: Film screening and remembrance
The New York State Writers Institute pays tribute to Toni Morrison–Nobel laureate, Pulitzer Prize winner and former University at Albany professor (1984-89)– subject of the film, “The Pieces I Am.” A discussion of Morrison’s life and work, featuring members of the University at Albany, will follow.
@ University at Albany – Page Hall | 7 PM | Free
AltaHavana Duo
The jazz duo, consisting of three-time Grammy nominee Jorge Gomez and Alexander Gonzalez on percussion, bring their unique and timeless style to the cocktail lounge.
@ The Night Owl, Saratoga | 8 PM
Bella’s Bartok and West End Blend
Inspired by elements of Vaudeville, street performance, Americana, folk and pop, the Northampton, Mass.-based Bella’s Bartok delivers “a passionate kaleidoscope of sound.” West End Blend, the Conn.-based funk and soul band, joins the bill.
@ The Hollow, Albany | 8 PM | $14
Hasty Page and Paradisa
Get your free show here! Locally sourced indie pop and alt rock for your health.
@ Gug’s, Glens Falls | 10 PM
Saturday, Jan. 25
Albany Record Riot
Over 60 tables of LPs, CDs and more from vendors trucking in from all over the Northeast. Tickets are free for a limited time at the link above.
@ Red Lion Hotel, Albany | 10 AM
Free Admission: Community Day at MASS MoCA
The annual community celebration includes art-making, gallery tours, live music, pop-up performances, fun photos opps and more to inspire and explore. Kidspace turns 20 this year — join the festivities as the museum celebrates the space’s engaging exhibitions and vibrant art studio.
@ MASS MoCA, North Adams, Mass. | 10 AM
5th Annual Schenectady Soup Stroll
Sample soups from 24 participating downtown area restaurants for only $1 per 3-oz serving. Check out the link for a full list of flavors.
@ Downtown Schenectady | 11 AM
Painting and Poetry Workshop
If you love the imagery in literature and think it would be fun to recreate some of it, this class is for you! Local artist Muse en Lystrala will be teaching a literature-rooted art class in which the imagery of a piece of literature will be discussed and brought to life using Renaissance and Impressionist methods with acrylic paint as a medium. Register above.
@ Troy Public Library | 1:30 PM
Free Duet/Harmony Workshop
Rob Weber’s Vocal Studio will prepare duets and group singing for their Feb. 12 showcase, applying harmonies to duets and other songs that will be performed. They’ve opened the session to the public, who are welcome to observe the material and join in on two part harmony behind solos. They will also be laying down some tracks.
@ Albany Barn | 2 PM
Perfect Vision: The Pretty Painter art show
Troy-based artist The Pretty Painter will display new works, perform live painting and more.
@ Troy Kitchen | 3 PM
Dave & Ethan’s 2000” Weird Al Podcast presents Weird Al’s UHF plus MST3K’s Jonah Ray
It Came From Schenectady presents this showing, in which Dave “Elvis” Rossi and Ethan Ullman of the definitive Weird Al podcast will host the 30th anniversary screening of Weird Al’s cult film “UHF”–preceded by a live 45-60 minute interview with Jonah Ray of Mystery Science Theatre 3000 fame, who is stoked to share his love for Weird Al content.
@ Proctors, Schenectady | 4 PM | $18
2020 ICCA A Cappella Central Quarterfinals
This premiere tournament is dedicated to showcasing the art of student a cappella singing and providing top-notch a cappella groups with valuable feedback from our highly qualified judges. Eight New York State a cappella teams, six of which come from the Capital Region, will compete to make the semifinals.
@ EMPAC at RPI, Troy | 7 PM | $20-$25
Nikki Glaser
Don’t miss this sharp, laugh out loud set from comedian Nikki Glaser, known for her slew of Netflix specials, Comedy Central features and more.
@ The Egg Performing Arts Center, Albany | 7 PM | $25
Fetty Wap
The rapper, known for his smash hits “Trap Queen” and “My Way,” will play this 16+ show at UCH.
@ Upstate Concert Hall, Clifton Park | 8 PM | $30-$35
PaJAMah featuring Multipede
Mirth Films hosts this very chill pajama party featuring live music from jam creatures Multipede.
@ The Trap, Fort Ann | 8 PM | $10
Sunday, Jan. 26
Frog Alley Brewing Drag Brunch
Leading queens MsKitten Kaboodle, Kashi Golean, Bee’uh Bombchelle and Philly Pina will entertain your brunch, catered by Bountiful Bread, with live dancing, singing and comedic stylings. Get your tickets while you can!
@ Frog Alley Brewing, Schenectady | 11 AM | $25
Honey Slider
The Albany duo formed by Caity Gallagher and Alec Lewis combines the musicians roots in musical theater with classic rock and folk.
@ Argyle Brewing Company, Cambridge | 5 PM | $15
