TUESDAY, FEB. 18
Artist Talk: JoAnne Carson’s ‘Rise Up and Shine!’
Carson’s solo exhibition features colorful paintings, drawings and sculptures that depict exuberant objects and scenes derived from nature, but with unusual juxtapositions and playfully dark moods. She is interested in the shift from “organic” to “synthetic” nature as a defining factor of our age. Go more in depth with the artist about specific works and more of her exhibit, open through Feb. 29, at this artist talk.
@ Opalka Gallery, Albany | 6:30 PM | Free
Looking and Moving with Robert R. Shane and Rachelle Smith-Stallman
The gallery inaugurates its Looking and Moving series with a talk by Associate Professor of Art History Robert R. Shane on the kinetics of painting and dance. Following the talk, Rachelle Smith-Stallman will lead participants in an experiential movement practice reflecting on personal creativity, discovery, and the relationship between art and movement.
@ Esther Massry Gallery, Albany | 7 PM | Free
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19
The Lift Series: Taina Asili Acoustic Trio
Asili’s music offers a sound that spans continents, exuding strength of Spirit, inspiring audiences at venues across the globe – From Carnegie Hall to the Women’s March on Washington to the main stage of San Francisco Pride. With an energetic horn section and infectious rhythms, Asili’s music urges people to get on their feet and dance to the rhythm of rebellion.
@ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall | 6 PM | $15
THURSDAY, FEB. 20
The Hudson Valley Jazz & Chess Society
Tables are set out on the dance floor and chess sets are provided, or bring your own. Come with a partner or by yourself-plenty of folks showed up last time ready to play someone new. DJs Effie and Otto Hauser will spin deep cuts from their extensive vinyl collections. No need to play chess if you just want to sit with a drink and enjoy some great tunes on a good sound system.
@ The Avalon Lounge, Catskill | 7 PM | Free
Kieran Robbins + (Super) Chief, Scum Couch, NXNES
Strong, strange, rare and powerful energy and tunes go down on Central Ave.
@ The Low Beat, Albany | 8 PM | $5
FRIDAY, FEB. 21
‘Hudson Valley Light’: Upstate Landscapes by Michael Watters opening exhibit
Local artist Michael Watters’ pastel works are impressionistic explorations of dream-like light and intimate upstate landscapes in Saratoga, Washington, Rensselaer, and Columbia counties.
@ Nine Pin Cider, Albany | 5 PM
Living Poetry at the Library: Mahogany L. Browne & Jive Poetic
Join Brooklyn-based artists Mahogany L. Browne, a writer, organizer, educator and founder of the Woke Baby Book Fair, and Jive Poetic, award-winning writer, organizer and educator, for Living Poetry. The annual literary event celebrates and introduces diverse literary artists to community members in the greater Hudson area. A discussion and reception follows the readings, allowing audience members to share their reactions and interact with the poets and each other.
@ Hudson Area Library | 6 PM
Saratoga Beer Week Kickoff: Cider Night
The fifth annual Saratoga Cider Night and the ninth annual Saratoga Beer Summit kicks off tonight. Enjoy hard cider and seltzers from 30+ cideries across the country from 6-9 PM. On Saturday, enjoy one of two sessions with 3 hours of unlimited sampling from more than 100 breweries and cideries from all over the country with live music and food available for purchase. Designated driver tickets will be available day-of the event for $10. These will be available whether the event has sold out or not.
@ Saratoga Springs City Center | 6 PM | $35-$65
Perpetual Adoration 4: Wendy Eisenberg, Kamryn Wolf, Darksquare Bishop
Improvising guitarist, banjo-player, vocalist and poet Wendy Eisenber uses the languages of free jazz, new music, metal and art song to challenge the representational and technical demands placed on a guitar and a banjo in contemporary music. Kamryn Wolf is a writer, performance artist, and third year Master of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary where they study ritual, desire, ecological affect, and care work. Long form musical storyteller Darksquare Bishop’s work has included study and performance of music in the Church’s main sanctuary, as well as freak-folk horror album Phonehenge.
@ YesFolk Tonics, Troy | 7 PM | $5-20 suggested donation for artists
‘When the sun rises and the walls come down’: A stage reading
Acting with Aaron presents “When the sun rises and the walls come down,” a
@ Youth FX, Albany | 7 PM | $10 donation suggested
SATURDAY, FEB. 22
Art Lab: Abstract Collage
This artist-led hands-on artmaking workshop is based on the artwork of Olle Baertling’s ‘Affinities and Outliers” by exhibition. All materials are provided.
@ University Art Museum, Albany | 1 PM | Free
Second Annual Winter Arts Fest
The second Winter Arts Fest at ADCo, in partnership with Albany Center Gallery, will feature live art and installations, a s’mores bar, ALB Vodka Ice Luge, ice pong and shuffleboard, specialty hot cocktails, music provided by DJ Trumastr and food from DeFazio’s Pizzeria. Plus The Collaborative has the hook up on 2 two FREE pairs of tickets. Head to our post on Instagram and tag a friend to bring along in the comments to be entered into the drawing. A winner will be announced and contacted Friday morning so check those DMs!
@ Albany Distilling Co. Bar + Bottle Shop | 2 PM| $15
The Sea The Sea with Lowland Hum
Troy’s indie folk-pop duo-band The Sea The Sea is bringing their tourmates Lowland Hum to town. The duo’s self-imposed musical restraint provides space for their rich harmonies and skillful arrangements, creating a refreshingly communal musical experience.
@ The Hollow, Albany | 8 PM | $12
SUNDAY, FEB. 23
The Saratoga Record Riot!
Over 50 tables of amazing LPs, CDs, 45s and more from wide array of dealers from New York and beyond. Regular admission starts at 10 AM ($3) and early birds can get in at 8 AM ($10).
@ Saratoga Springs City Center | 10 AM | $3-$10
Sunday Comedy Showcase Hosted by Twon Wood
Jon Tenace, Jim Felter and special guest Taury Seward will fill the Lark Street hub with laughs, so come get your fill.
@ Pint Sized, Albany | 7 PM
