1/21/10: Today’s Tips: Thursday

MUSIC: Colleen Pratt & Friends @ the Van Dyck, Schenectady. Delightful jazz vocalist returns for her third-Thursday-of-the-month gig at the Van Dyck. 7pm. Free.

BOOKS/READING: Third Thursday Poetry Night @ the Social Justice Center, Albany. Featured poet Todd Fabozzi reads from his new collection, “Crossroads,” followed by an open mic for poets. Presented by the Poetry Motel Foundation and hosted by Dan Wilcox. Sign-up: 7pm. Start: 7:30pm. $3.

FILM: “American Casino” @ MASS MoCA, North Adams, Mass. The all-too true story of the subprime mortgage catastrophe, how it has affected millions of people and shaken our economy. Created by the husband-and-wife team of Leslie and Andrew Cockburn. 7:30pm. $8; students $5.

MUSIC: Barkeater @ Valentine’s Music Hall, Albany. The two-man rock army Barkeater (formerly known as 28N) invades Valentine’s with Fred Shafer opening the show. 9pm.

MUSIC: The Velmas @ Hot Topic at Rotterdam Square Mall, Rotterdam. The local pop-rockers go unplugged for a free all-ages show. Check out their new songs – “Playground” and “Wait” – on iTunes. 7pm. Free.

ART: Family of Mine: Jason Houston Solo Show of Photography @ Ferrin Gallery, Pittsfield. Eleven large scale prints of moments captured at Houston’s family get-togethers between 2002 and 2007, although intimate and personal, are poignant reflections of relationships, traditions, values and family dynamics that are universally identifiable. Opening reception 5-6:30 pm. Free.

WORKSHOP: Nuts + Bolts For Artists and Organizations @ The Arts Center, Troy. What exactly is a non-profit organization? What advantage might it offer? How is it organized? What is a 501(c)(3)? What is involved in becoming one? Find out in this free workshop, as part of Nuts and Bolts, a series of free workshops for artists and arts administrators. 7pm. FREE! but advance registration required – contact Jill at 273-0552 x 233 or [email protected] to register.