12/17/09: Today’s Tips: Thursday

MUSIC: Colleen Pratt & Friends @ the Van Dyck, Schenectady. Resident jazz vocalist and her band serve up some seasonal offering at their monthly third Thursday gig. 7pm. Free.

FILM: “What Would Jesus Buy?” @ The Linda, Albany. The latest installment in the “Food for Thought” film series is a feature-length documentary about performance artist and anti-shopping advocate Reverend Billy and his fight against over-consumerism. Reverend Billy conducts a Q&A session following the screening.

MUSIC: Bandaoke Finals @ Savannah’s, Albany. The Ruddys – guitarist Scott Ruddy, bassist Jess Ruddy and drummer Andy Maroney – have been the house band for the weekly Bandaoke competition – that’s karaoke with a live band – over the course of the past three months. Now it’s time for the final round of competition. Somebody will walk away tonight with the grand prize – $1,000 cash. Could it be … Steve Nover?

MUSIC: The McKrells @ the Parting Glass, Saratoga Springs. Fresh from his hilarious appearance in “Mountain Snow and Mistletoe,” Kevin McKrell leads his merry band of musicians through the first of their three annual holiday pub shows. 8pm. $10.

WORKSHOP: “Nuts + Bolts: Accounting and Tax Info for Artists” @ the Arts Center of the Capital Region, Troy. Find out what you need to do before the end of the year to help you save money on your taxes. 7pm. Free.

MUSIC: The Doc Scanlon Trio @ the Stockade Inn, Schenectady. Just back from a two and a half-week European tour, Doc Scanlon and his boys (the small combo edition) swing through some favorites for you. 7pm. Free.