by Michael Janairo

Rock and Recovery Sandy Hook benefit shows

The destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy was one thing, but that was an act of nature; the events in Sandy Hook Elementary School were manmade, which makes it a different kind of tragedy, one that hurts in a different way.

So we’re very proud to say some of Albany’s finest musical groups have come together for a two-day extravaganza that will raise funds for the families of victims of this horrifying event. On Friday, there will be Conehead Buddha, Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets, Skunk Hostage, The Lucky Jukebox Brigade, Timbre Coup and Way Down.

And if that wasn’t enough, Saturday’s lineup includes Black Mountain Symphony, Erin Harkes Band, Matt & the Bad Ideas, Sean Rowe, Super 400 and the Hearing Aides.

There will be silent auctions and raffles during the show, many ways to contribute to this cause. Do yourself a favor and go, to both nights even, and start the new year off in a positive yet rocking way.

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Valentine’s, 17 New Scotland Ave., Albany

Tickets: $10

Info: 432-6572

— David Malachowski

by Michael Janairo

New Year’s Eve face-off: Sirsy vs. Timbre Coup/Consider the Source

OK, maybe one will be up in Saratoga Springs and another down in Albany, so it isn’t really a face-to-face face-off, but which one will you go to tonight, Sirsy at Putnam Den or Timbre Coup at Red Square?

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by Michael Janairo

Should Capital Region theaters offer “tweet seats”?

The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis is experimenting with offering a section of seats where people can tweet away during the live performance of The Servant with Two Masters. (Read the story here.)

The idea is still relatively new for live theater and classical music, though a handful of other theaters have experimented with it. In popular music, however, it seems nearly everyone in the audience is taking photos and videos and sharing them via their smartphones.

What do you think? Should performing arts organizations such as Capital Rep, Schenectady Light Opera Company, Proctors or Albany Symphony Orchestra allow patrons who sit in a certain section the ability to use social media during a performance.

by Michael Janairo

2012: The Year in Arts

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We close 2012: the year in arts with a few special reports:

Amy Biancolli speaks with arts leaders of the Capital Region about how 2012 went and what they look forward to in 2013.

Steve Barnes, with the help from Amy Biancolli and me (Michael Janairo) offer a wrap up of the big news stories in the arts for 2012.

And, finally, we get the point of view from six critics, who offer their top five moments in the arts for 2012. The critics are:
Joseph Dalton
Michael Eck
Amy Griffin
Greg Haymes
Michael Janairo
Tresca Weinstein

Happy New Year to you, and see you in 2013.

by Michael Janairo

Hobbit fan? Take the Times Union 20-question Hobbit quiz

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Though the Hobbit quiz was recently created to mark the opening of Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” its genesis goes back to 1964 when Jan Howard Finder first encountered J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings.

“I just got finished with my master’s in physical chemistry,” said Finder, 73, in a recent interview. “It was just a masterful story. I just got lost in it. I drove around and wondered, ‘Where in Middle-earth am I?’”

Finder wasn’t alone in his fascination. Tolkien’s books have sold in the hundreds of millions.

The now-retired Finder, an Albany resident, is more than just a fan of Tolkien; he’s also the main organizer of the Conference on Middle-earth, in which people present papers or speak on panels about the author, his works and his influence. Continue reading →

by Michael Janairo

Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings new show to Albany

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You’ll be a bit disappointed if you go to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s annual holiday concert expecting to hear the group to play its holiday rock opera “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.”

They’re not doing that this year.

Instead, the bombastic rock act has chosen to rock “The Lost Christmas Eve,” the final chapter of its popular Christmas trilogy—which began with 1996’s “Christmas Eve.” “The Lost Christmas Eve” — which will be played in its entirety — focuses on people in a rundown hotel, an old toy store, a blues bar, and a Gothic cathedral in New York City on Christmas Eve. But don’t worry.

The TSO will heat up its huge light and laser show and dust off yuletide favorites such as “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” during the second half of the concert. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Times Union Center, 51 S. Pearl St., Albany. $33-$73. 487-2000; http://timesunion.com

by Michael Janairo

Dave Brubeck, 91, has died

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Dave Brubeck, 91, has died. The jazz pianist and composer, perhaps best known for “Take Five” (watch video below).

Read the AP obituary here.

Brubeck was no stranger to the Capital Region. The venues he performed in include the Saratoga Jazz Festival at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Proctors in Schenectady, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, the Massry Center for the Arts at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in Becket, Mass., His most recent performance was with his son’s band, Chris Brubeck Triple Play in June 10, 2011, at Zankel Center at Skidmore College.

What are your memories of Brubeck?

by Michael Janairo

Trey Anastasio Band to play Palace Theatre on Jan. 26, 2013

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Trey Anastasio Band will return to the Capital Region to play on Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Palace Theatre in Albany, Live Nation has announced.

The band is touring in support of Anastasio’s latest solo release, the album “Traveler,” which was released in October by ATO Records.

Rolling Stone magazine called the recording “gorgeous” and said of the song “Pigtail”:”all class-clown philosophizing and noodle-dance groove – is the slam-dunk: a reminder of what he does better than anyone else.”

The band’s line-up includes Cyro Baptista, James Casey, Natalie Cressman, Jennifer Hartswick, Russ Lawton, Tony Markellis and Ray Paczkowski.

Tickets for the show will be $42.50 go onsale at 10 a.m. Dec. 15. They can be purchased via LiveNation.com, at the Palace Theatre box office at 19 Clinton Ave. in Albany or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

by Michael Janairo

Cool things to do today and the week ahead

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Family fun
There’s just something magical about trains and Christmas. The sight of a Lionel engine, billowing smoke from its toy smokestack as it chugs around the tree, is heartwarming—and quite common during the first half of the 20th century. A visit to the Great Train Extravaganza will bring those memories flooding back. The annual model train showcase, presented by the Upstate Train Associates and the Hudson-Berkshire Division of the National Model Railroad Association, will feature more than 200 tables of model trains of all gauges, train sets, parts, accessories, books and railroad memorabilia. And this year, there will be a “massive” train layout made of Legos. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today (Sunday, 12/2). $7; free for kids under 12. Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Albany. 668-9892; http://www.gtealbany.com

Kids didn’t watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” for the music. But its Vince Guaraldi’s stellar jazz soundtrack from the classic Christmas special that brings back yuletide memories for Baby Boomers. Guaraldi’s instrumental takes on “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Oh Christmas Tree,” and “Linus and Lucy” are quintessential holiday fare. Guaraldi’s genius will be celebrated in “It’s A Jazzy Christmas!,” a concert featuring The Peanut Gallery Jazz Trio. The group — local pianist David Gleason, Schenectady school district music teacher Mike Lawrence and drummer Pete Sweeney — will play Guaraldi’s holiday faves. 3 and 5 p.m. today (Sunday, 12/2). $10-$20; free for children under 6 (ticket is required). Kathleen McManus Picotte Recital Hall, Massry Center for The Arts, The College of St. Rose, 1002 Madison Ave., Albany. 337-4871; http://bit.ly/Ukp2Yi

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