12/31/09: Today’s Tips: Thursday

MUSIC/ART/PERFORMANCE/ETC.: WGXC-FM New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball @ Basilica Industria, Hudson. Here are some details. 6pm-4am. $30.

MUSIC/FAMILY FUN/ART/ETC.: First Night Saratoga @ various locations through downtown Saratoga Springs. Here are some details. 5:30pm-12midnight. $15; children 5 and under free.

FAMILY FUN/MUSIC: Rocking New Year’s Eve Family Party @ the Bearsville Theater, Woodstock. Music by Uncle Rock. Bubble blowing extravaganza by the Gazillion Bubbles Show. Magic by Whoopsy Daisy the Clown. Plus face painting, balloon sculptures, more. The ball drops at 8:30pm. 6-9pm. $10; kids $5.

MUSIC: My Fair Planet @ the Dockside Grill, Athens. Slippery jazz, funk, psychedelia, blues and more from this cool combo led by guitarslinger Bob Irwin. 9:30pm. Free.

MUSIC: The Arch Stanton Quartet & Friends @ the Midtown Tap & Tea Room, Albany. Jazz up your New Year’s celebration. 9pm. Free.

COMEDY: “First Night of Funny: The Four Sides of Funny” @ the Palace Theatre, Albany. Stand-up comedy by Lenny Marcus, Patty Rosborough, Al Ducharme and Eric McMahon. 8pm. $35.

MUSIC: John Brown’s Body @ Revolution Hall, Troy. Reggae and more to kick off 2010. Champagne toast and late night brunch, too. With Lynch and Nautilus. 9pm. $30.

MUSIC: Cats Don’t Have Souls @ Valentine’s Music Hall, Albany. Free draft beer from 8-9pm. Wings, pizza, etc. all night. Champagne toast at 12midnight. Plus opening acts Nixon’s Spirit and the Killerados. 8pm. $10.

And please remember to be safe out there…