All Over Albany

Stuff to do this weekend

We're not sure what we did to deserve this, but there's another fabulous summer weekend on tap.

Rather than arousing the suspicion of the weather gods, we're going to quietly list the things we might want to do under lovely clear skies in low humidity.

After the jump, this weekend's list of things that looked interesting to us.

As always, if we missed something good, let us know.

1st Friday
Tonight is 1st Friday in Albany. Kick off your weekend by checking out the shops and art galleries around A-Town. You'll find the full listing of events here, but A few things that looked interesting to us:

+The Just Seeds RESOURCED group show at the Marketplace Gallery. It's a series of handmade prints that examine climate change, resource extraction and environmental justice.
+Over 50 artists will be exhibiting work at the 4 Central Ave building from 6-11 with music by DJ OFI and Chad Christman.
+Domestic Dramas at Albany Center Gallery is a group show (including work by Scott Hotaling)where all kinds of media from paintbrushes to polaroids are used to depict life and issues in the home.
+Albany Community Arts Project has set up some temporary labryinths you can walk through in Washington Park.
+Plant a flag in a vacant lot.

After parties include:
+The Capital Swing Dance at the Elks Club (25 South Allen Street) with Doc Scanlon and Commander Cody $15, $10 student/seniors

+The Lobster Bake at the Iron Gate Cafe ( you might want to call ahead to get a reservation for this one)

+There's a rooftop party at 44 South Pearl (Pagliacci's)with music from Lazer and Blazer, DjTrumastr, Scooby Carolan and others.

Bike Ride
There's a 1st Friday bike ride tonight in Washington Park. Meet up at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial at 6.

Film
The Ballston Spa Film Festival gets underway tonight. Tonight and tomorrow catch free screenings of 45 short films from all over the world in both Wiswall Park and Ballston Spa High School. The festival is free and there are after-parties going on both nights. Here's the list of films.

The It Came From Schenectady film festival folks are back at Proctor's with what many say is the worst movie of all time: Troll 2, and Best Worst Movie a documentary that celebrates the awful film. How bad is Troll 2? Here's an advisory from SF GATE:This film contains strong language and horrible acting. - clips from Troll 2 may induce vertigo, vomiting and a loss of religion. But hey, they'll have prizes, games, special guests and comfy couches.

P.S. Chatham kicks off a festival of films based on small towns with The Trouble with Harry, Sunday. Free.

Music & Art at Mass MoCA
Go for the art (check out Leonard Nimoy's photography exhibit and ) stay for the music. Brooklyn based indie rockers Clare & the Reasonsperform on Saturday night at 8.

Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC
Alec Baldwin joins the Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC tonight. Baldwin will be narrating the orchestra's performance of Peter and the Wolf. $18.50 to $72.50

On Saturday the Orchestra performs Mozart and Beethoven pieces including the Ode to Joy.$18.50 to $72.50

More Music
Friday
+ Restoration Fest Fundraiser at Valentine's with B3nson Family Band, Matthew Carefully and Density of States. $5 and you can buy tickets to Restoration Fest at the show.
+ Interpol is at Northern Lights, with Twin Tigers and the Postelles. $30
+ All female grass-roots band Antigone Rising is at Red Square $12 advance, $15 door.
+ Ben Karis-Nix plays Jillian's tonight with The Ameros and Black Mountain Symphony
+ Saratoga natives, The Figgs are back in the Capital Region with a CD release party tonight at The Linda. $12
+ Skeletons in the Piano are holding a CD release party at Putnam Den in Saratoga
+ Jazz singer Jill Hughes is at 9 Maple in Saratoga
+ Upbeat on the roof continues at Skidmore's Tang Museum with old time blues, country and honky-tonk from Tom Akstens & Neil Rossi Free.
+ The Big Up got underway last night and continues through Saturday in Ghent. It's three days of jam bands and interactive art. Bands include ESKMO, RAQ, Positive Mental Trip and Sugarproof. Tickets are $100.

Saturday
+ The Latin jazz group, Sensemaya, is holding a CD release party in Scotia's Freedom Park on Saturday night. Free.
+ Skeletons in the Piano will be at Valentine's for another CD release party on Saturday night
+ The Figgs are also throwing another CD release party on Saturday night at Putnam Den. Charlie Watts Riots will also be there. $10
+ Boston roots ensemble Session Americana is at Caffe Lena on Saturday night at 8. $16 in advance and $18 at the door.

Sunday
+ Halfstep is at Putnam Den
+ Ruth Pelham and Ramblin Jug Stompers have a free show on Sunday night at 7 in Schenectady's Central Park

Take a friend to see a mummy
If you've been waiting to check out The Albany Institute of History and Art, now is a good time. Throughout the summer you can get in for free on Fridays and on Saturday's it's buy one get one free.">the mummies or other exhibits at The Albany Institute of History and Art, now is a good time. Throughout the summer you can get in for free on Fridays and on Saturday's it's buy one get one free. *

Picasso meets Degas
It's a nice weekend for a drive to Williamstown. The Picasso meets Degas exhibit is still underway at The Clark.

Festivals
The Schoharie County Sunshine Fair Fair is underway at the Cobleskill Fairgrounds. You can check it out today and tomorrow.

30 food and wine vendors are at the Saratoga Racecourse today for Galloping Grapes Day

And they're off...
The weather looks great for a day at the races. Go for the horses, the people watching and the muddy track.

Holiday shopping
Get the holiday shopping out of the way now at the Outdoor Art & Craft Show at Lakeside Cider Mill on Saturday and Sunday.

The Historic Albany Foundation Warehouse on Lexington Ave. is having a sidewalk sale today and tomorrow. They're offering 10 % off warehouse prices.

Comedy
Mop and Bucket Company's weekly improv show, underground at proctors. Tonight at 8.

Theater
+ Annie Get Your Gun is at Park Playhouse -Free
+ Berkshire Theater Festival is doing Macbeth
+ The Last Goodbye -- a musical version of Romeo and Juliette, is at Williamstown
+ Barrington Stage presents Art
+ Imagining Madoff is at Stageworks/Hudson
+ The new musical Pool Boy is Stage 2 at Barrington Stage Company

Swim
Cool off at a pool, beach or sprinkler near you.

Walk on Adventure
Don't have a Kayak of your own? Try a walk on adventure.

Take a ride in the way back machine
Take a kid to Hoffman's Playland. It's retro-fun
Scenic Railroad
Hop an Adirondack Scenic Railroad train and take a ride through the Adirondacks.

Stay-cation
These folks have lots of great tips on how to get the most out of summer in the Capital Region.

Dine Al Fresco
Find a nice patio and soak in a little sunshine. Check the map before you go.

Ice Cream!
Take the Capital Region Ice Cream Tour or hit up a seasonal stand near you!

Road Trip
Spend 12 hours here, here or here. Or take a shopping trip to Northampton or Woodstock.

* The Albany Institute of History and Art advertises on AOA
* SPAC advertises their classical and extended season with AOA