All Over Albany

Stuff to do this weekend

Longer days? Check. Ice cream stands? Check. Warm weather? Uh, not really. Well, we're ready the first day of spring on Sunday, anyway. There are lots of ways to celebrate this weekend -- music, gardens, flowers, even hockey for those who just can't let winter go.

After the jump, you'll find a list of stuff we thought you might enjoy. Doing something you don't see there? Drop it in the comments so everyone can see.

And whatever you're up to, have a fantastic weekend!

Capital District Garden and Flower Show
Friday-Sunday: The annual Capital District Garden and Flower Show opens at HVCC and runs through the weekend. The show includes displays, demonstrations, and sales of plants, bulbs, and seeds. Friday 10 am-8 pm / Saturday 9 am-7 pm / Sunday 10 am-5 pm - $10 ahead / $12 at the door / kids 12 and under free

Maple Weekend
Saturday-Sunday: It's the first Maple Weekend of the season at sugar houses around the region as they host sugaring demonstrations, tastings, and other events. There are a bunch of participating spots around the greater Capital Region.

Canstruction
Saturday-Sunday: The annual Canstruction exhibit is now on display at the State Museum. Teams of the architects, engineers, contractors, and students design and build large structures out of canned goods and non-perishable food items. Afterward, all the items are donated to the Food Pantries for the Capital District. The designs are often whimsical and fun. You can vote for your favorite by bring dropping a canned good in the bin next to one of the displays. The exhibit will be on display through March 30.

When Alexander Hamilton Called Albany Home
Saturday: The Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site in Albany is offering a special tour based on Alexander Hamilton's time at the mansion. Tour blurbage:

Alexander Hamilton (1757 - 1804), was a remarkable political figure who was "actively involved in nearly every aspect of the nation's founding" and, as the son-in-law of Major-General Philip Schuyler, was intimately connected with the city of Albany. Come join us as we examine Hamilton's relationship with the Schuyler family, and his connection to the Schuyler family home and to Albany itself.

Hamilton married Elizabeth Schuyler in 1780 at the mansion and the couple spent time in Albany. And, of course, interest in Hamilton has been surging because of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway show about his life, Hamilton. tours Saturday 11 am to 2pm -- $5 / $4 for students and seniors / 12 and under are free (reservations required)

Roller derby
Saturday: The Albany All Stars are in action against the Wilkes Barre Scranton Roller Radicals at the Washington Ave Armory. The bout also includes live music by Hot Cousin, face-painting, a half-time presentation by Psychic Sideshow, and Girl Scout cookies for sale. first whistle 7 pm Saturday - $12 at the door / $4 kids 2 and under

Stage

The Blue-Sky Boys
Friday-Sunday: Capital Rep opened its production of The Blue-Sky Boys this week. Show blurbage:

How did Buck Rogers, Galileo and the Red Baron help NASA land a man on the moon? Experience this exhilarating romp through the creative minds of the maverick engineers who stopped at nothing to get a man to the moon and back! Join the first Apollo team's outside-the-box thinking that helped America take that great step for mankind, and meet the brain trust that fueled the brilliant, preposterous, ridiculous and awe inspiring race for space that is full of surprises!

The show runs through April 3. Tuesday-Sunday various times - $20 and up

Hair
Friday-Sunday: Schenectady Light Opera closes its production of Hair, the 1960s counterculture concept musical that spawned "Aquarius", "Let the Sunshine In", "Good Morning Starshine" and other popular songs of the day. The show contains adult situations and brief nudity. Friday and Saturday 8 pm / Sunday 2 pm -- $22-$28

The Odd Couple
Friday-Sunday: The Local Actors Guild of Saratoga presents Neil Simon's The Odd Couple. The play about two divorced men -- a slob and a neat-nick -- gave rise to the popular TV show. Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm -- $20

Rumors
Friday-Saturday: Troy Civic Theater presents a production of Neil Simon's Rumors at the Arts Center of the Capital Region. Friday and Saturday 8 pm -- $13 and $15

Glengarry Glen Ross
Friday-Sunday: Curtain Call Theater wraps up its production of David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross -- the Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a cutthroat world in which real estate salesmen vie for success. Leave the kids home for this one -- there's lots of adult language. Friday and Saturday 8 pm / Sunday 3 pm -- $24

Measure for Measure
Friday-Sunday: Schenectady Civic Players closes a production of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, which deals with issues of justice, morality, and mercy and their relationships to virtue and sin. Friday and Saturday 8pm / Sunday 2:30 pm -- $17

Miracle on South Division Street
Friday-Sunday: Sand Lake Center for the Arts presents Miracle on South Division Street, a comedy about a family secret that is in danger of being revealed by a daughter who decided to write a one-woman show. Friday and Saturday 8 pm / Sunday 2 pm -- $10-$18

Comedy

Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show Ever
Saturday: Adrienne Iapalucci headlines Pretty Much the Best Comedy Show at Proctors. "Born and bred in the Bronx, Adrienne's skewed look on life is reflected in her unique brand of intelligent comedy. Her dark sense of humor is enhanced by her political incorrectness and counteracted by her love of dogs." Saturday 8pm -- $15 advance / $20 at the door (18+)

Mad Laughs
Saturday: The Madison Theater's monthly Mad Laughs series continues this weekend. It's an evening of local stand-up and improvisational comedy. This month's guests include improv troupe Sorry Not Sorry, host Rosario Scanio, and stand-up from locals Lauren Turczak, Kat Broadus, Jon Tenace, and headliner Bryan Burgess. Saturday 7:30pm -- $11.54

Real Life: The Improv
Friday: The Mop & Bucket Company opens its new season of Real Life: The Improv, in which improvisors create scenes and songs based on live interviews with local celebrities. Friday 8 pm -- $14

Mopco Improv Jam
Saturday: Watch Improv games performed or learn how to improv and try it yourself at MopCo's monthly Improve Jam. Saturday at 8pm at MopCo World Headquarters (309 Union Street, Schenectady) -- $5 or bring a snack to share

Film

Reel Women In Film
Friday: The Linda screens Racing Daylight, three short films starring Melissa Leo that tell the story of a woman who returns to the family farm to care for her grandmother. Friday 8 pm -- $8

Classics
The Saturday and Sunday morning Movies and Mimosa classic and the Friday and Saturday late night Insomnia Theater at the Saratoga Bow Tie is Pretty in Pink.

As You Like It
Sunday: The Spectrum is screening the National Theater of London's most recent production of The Bard's, As You Like It -- a comedy about love and change. Sunday 11am -- $15

Tosca
Sunday: The Madison Theater is screening Tosca -- a live film version of Puccini's famed opera. Sunday 7 pm -- $12 / $10 for students and seniors

Music

Friday: Deer Tick at The Egg
An acoustic show. 8 pm - $31.25

Friday: The Weight at Troy Music Hall
"Five musical brothers, all with legitimate Band heritage, locked at the hip and passionate in the mission of performing songs of The Band, live and in concert." 8 pm - $32

Friday: Eastbound Jesus at The Hollow
An after-Deer Tick show. 10 pm - $12 ahead / $15 at door

Friday: Antje Duvekot at Caffe Lena
Folk singer/songwriter. 8 pm - $18

Saturday: Albany Symphony-Sleeping Giant at The Palace
Collaboration with the six composers of "Sleeping Giant." 7:30 pm - $19 and up

Saturday: Mikael Jorgensen's Trimbin Band at MASS MoCA
From Wilco. 8 pm - $12 ahead / $18 day of

Saturday: Che Guevara T-Shirt + Soon + Yellow Montego at The Low Beat
Soon is a folk metal band from Chapel Hill. 8 pm

Sunday: Albany Symphony-Superhero Show at The Palace
A symphony show for families. 3 pm - $20 adults / free for kids

Sunday: Pete Seeger Memorial Concert at The Linda
Hosted by Wanda Fischer. 2 pm - $35 and up

Sunday: Ekachai Jearakul at Massry Center
Classical guitarist. A Guitar Foundation of America concert. 7:30 pm - $20 / $10 students

Sunday: Vance Gilbert at Caffe Lena
"His live performances are an extraordinary amalgam of virtuoso singing, unbridled mischief and joy, and real wisdom on matters of race, ethics, and simple human kindness." 7 pm - $20

A Taste of Grand Street
Friday: The Grand Street Community Arts Center presents A Taste of Grand Street, an evening of hors d'oeuvres, jazz, and history at V&R Italian Restaurant, along with a guided tour of the old St. Anthony's Church. Friday 5-7 pm -- $25

She'Brew release party
Sunday: Shmaltz Brewing is holding a release party for its SheBrew beer with tastings, food from The Ruck, Girl Scout cookies, and music. Paid admission includes a 22 oz bottle of She'brew Triple IPA, a souvenir She'brew Sample Glass, 6 beer tokens, food by The Ruck, and 20 percent off beer to go. Sunday 2-6 pm -- $25 / $10 designated driver ticket for food and soda

Albany Train Show
Saturday: The Polish Community Center hosts the Albany Toy and Train show. Saturday 9 am-3 pm -- $5 / under 12 free

Federation Tournament of Champions
Friday-Sunday: The Times Union Center hosts the Federation Basketball Tournament, in which the winners of the tournaments in the high school athletic associations around state compete against each other. Friday-Sunday various times -- $12 per day for general seating / $25 per day for VIP seating

Hockey

10th Annual Stick It to Brain Tumors Woman's Hockey Tournament
Friday-Sunday: The Messa Rink at Union College hosts the annual Stick it to Brain Tumors Women's Hockey Tournament. A weekend of women's ice hockey, a raffle, and a silent auction. Friday-Sunday various times -- free admission

Albany Bombers hockey fundraiser
Saturday: The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network hosts its annual Albany Bombers intersquad hockey tournament at Troy's Knickerbacker Ice Rink. An open skate with the team, a hockey game, and a raffle to benefit safe schools advocacy work. Saturday, skate with the team starts at 5:30 pm, puck drops at 7 pm -- $12 / $10 for students / under 12 free

Road Trip
Spend a day in the Pioneer Valley or Saratoga Springs or Columbia County

Museums
Wander through one of the Capital Region's museums.

Albany Institute
The Albany Institute of History and Art has the Masterworks: 225 Years of Collecting exhibit and the The Capital Region in 50 Objects on display. You can also check out the new Crisan Cafe on the museum's second floor.

Butterflies
Saturday-Sunday: MiSci's butterfly house is still open. "Discover hundreds of brilliantly colored native butterflies." The exhibit continues through April 19. free with museum admission

Rockwell
The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls has its Norman Rockwell in the 1960s exhibit up for just a few more weeks. (And while you're there, here are some fun places to eat in Glens Falls.)

If you're interested in more Norman Rockwell, you can head over to Stockbridge for the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Arkell
The Arkell Museum is open again after its winter break with two new exhibitions, one about Rembrandt's influence on printmakers and the other on the work of Edward Buyck.

Eye for Excellence
The Clark has a good permanent collection, and there's currently an exhibit about how works have been added to it (it's on display until April 10).

Ice cream stand season
A handful of seasonal ice cream stands around the Capital Region are already open, and more are scheduled to open this weekend.

Farmers' markets
Stop by a farmers market for something local and delicious:
+ Troy Waterfront Farmers Market is inside the Atrium. Saturday 9 am-2 pm
+ The Saratoga Farmers' Market is indoors at the Lincoln Baths. Saturday from 9 am-1 pm
+ The Schenectady Greenmarket is at its indoor location at Proctors. Sunday from 10 am-2 pm.
+ The Spa City Farmers' Market is inside at the Lincoln Baths Sunday from 10 am-3 pm

The Mop & Bucket Company, Proctors, and Albany Institute advertise on AOA.