All Over Albany

The week ahead

Here are a few things to keep in mind, look forward to, or keep busy with this week, from the weather (summerish), to craft beer, to wine and food, to tugboats, to apples, to music...

Weather

Here's the paraphrased forecast for this week:

Monday: Some sunny, mid 80s.

Tuesday: Some sun and chance of some rain in the afternoon, maybe heavy in spots. Upper 80s.

Wednesday: Sunny and 81.

Thursday: Sunny and 84.

Friday: Sunny and 86.

Weekend: Sun and maybe some rain, 70-80.

Very summerish, September.

Labor Day

It's Monday (of course). The holiday sprang from the labor movement of the late 1800s to honor American workers. New York State was among the first states to recognize the holiday.

Troy Craft Beer Week

The first Troy Craft Beer Week starts Tuesday and runs through Saturday. It includes specials and events at beer-focused bars/restaurants in downtown Troy, including The Ruck, The Ale House, Brown's, and Rare Form.

The week concludes with the first Troy on Tap festival Saturday in Riverfront Park, from the organizers of Saratoga Beer Week and Saratoga Brewfest. Blurbage: "Come out and enjoy first-rate craft beers in an amazing setting, where attendees receive an unmatched sampling of beers, in an atmosphere filled with live music, delicious food for purchase, and great vendors. What better way to spend a Saturday than with great friends, amazing beer, delicious food and jamming music." Saturday 2-5 pm - $40 ahead / $50 at the door

Saratoga Wine & Food Festival

Friday-Sunday: The Saratoga Wine & Food Festival is back at SPAC. It includes all the usual events: tastings, demonstrations, and whatnot. There's also a new event this year: BBQ, Brews & Blues -- "this BBQ bash will serve as the kick-off event with six of the Capital Region's finest restaurants competing against six Manhattan Grill masters." The headlining personalities for this year's festival are chef Marc Murphy (from Chopped on the Food Network) and wine expert Kevin Zraly, who's back again. various times and prices

Tugboat Roundup

Friday-Sunday: The Tugboat Roundup returns to Waterford. More than 25 tugboats will be gathered at the Waterford Waterfront. The weekend includes tours, rides, demonstrations, kids activities, and fireworks Saturday night. And on Friday there's a tugboat parade from the Port of Albany to Waterford -- it leaves the port at 2:45 pm and arrives in Waterford around 5 pm.

Apples

Apple season has arrived and local orchards are starting up pick your own. Among the early season apple varieties: Mac, Gingergold, Akane, Gala, and Paula Red.

Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival

Saturday: The Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival is back at the Corning Preserve. The lineup: Jack DeJohnette Trio featuring Ravi Coltrane and Matt Garrison, Catherine Russell, Professor Cunningham and His Old School, Michael Benedict Jazz Vibes, Maria Zemantauski. Saturday starting at 1 pm - free

Music

Wednesday: Kenny Wayne Shepherd at The Egg
Blues rock guitarist. 8 pm - $39.75 and up

Thursday: Bellows at The Low Beat
With: Eskimeaux, Hand Habits, Free Cake for Every Creature. 8 pm - $7

Friday: Chevelle at Upstate Concert Hall
Alt metal. With: Kyng, Dayshell. 7:30 pm - $25 ahead / $27 day of

Friday: Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 at Helsinki Hudson
Son of Fela Kuti. 9 pm - $25 ahead / $30 day of

Friday: Bear Grass + Midnight Snack + Lucky Jukebox Brigade at The Low Beat
Midnight Snack is from Boston. 8 pm - $7

Saturday: Neutral Milk Hotel at Brewery Ommegang
Influential indie rock. 5 pm - $36

Saturday: Albany Symphony with Joshua Bell at The Palace
The ASO opens its season with a visit from the superstar violinist. 7 pm - $45 and up

Saturday: Lizz Wright at Helsinki Hudson
Jazz/R&B singer. 9 pm - $35

Saturday: Clutch at Upstate Concert Hall
Rock. With: Lionize, American Sharks. 8 pm - $25 / $28 day of

Saturday: Hamell on Trial at The Low Beat
One man storytelling, comedy, music show. With: Jefferson James. 8 pm

Sunday: G. Love & John Hammond at Zankel Center
"A very special evening with two artists whose stories intersect at Caffe Lena." 7 pm - $35 and up

Sunday: Demi Lovato at TU Center
Disney factory pop star. 7 pm - $19.50 and up
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These are a just a few things for this week, not a comprehensive list. Know of something people should be looking forward to this week? Please share!

City of Albany Office of Special Events advertises on AOA.