3/5/10: Today’s Tips: Friday

Whoa! This has got to be the busiest entertainment night of the year so far here in Nippertown. If you can’t find something that you want to do tonight, well, you’ve got to be kidding…

MUSIC: Sirsy CD release party @ Putnam Den, Saratoga Springs. The dynamic duo of Melanie Krahmer and Rich Libutti celebrate the release of “BYOB: Collection B” (see review here). The Grift opens. 9:30pm. $8.

FILM: “Fists in the Pocket (I Pugni in Tasca)” @ UAlbany’s Page Hall, Albany. Director Marco Bellocchio‘s influential 1965 black comedy of the Italian New Wave tells the tale of a disturbed young man who kills off members of his peculiar family to “save” them from various medical afflictions. 7:30pm. Free.

MUSIC: U-Melt CD release party @ Jillian’s, Albany. The progressive rock jam band throws down a party in celebration of their new album, “Perfect World.” With Timbre Coup. 10pm. $13. 18 and over.

MUSIC: “Hello Pretty City” concert with Brown Bird @ Valentine’s Music Hall, Albany. With the Charlie Watts Riots, Pony in the Pancake, the Landlines. Details here. 8pm. $8.

MUSIC: John Brodeur, Ben Karis-Nix @ Tess’ Lark Tavern, Albany. Two of Nippertown’s finest pop troubadours and the first official screening of the fab new animated music video for Brodeur’s “Love and Misery,” directed by Karis-Nix. A perfect pop night. A sneak preview here. 10pm. $5.

MUSIC: The Holmes Brothers @ The Egg, Albany. Mixing Saturday night roadhouse blues with Sunday morning gospel, the veteran Holmes Brothers sound as soulful as ever on their new CD, “Feed My Soul.” With the equally tantalizing Scrapomatic featuring vocalist Mike Mattison of the Derek Trucks Band. 8pm. $24.

MUSIC: The Blasters @ Valentine’s Music Hall, Albany. Phil Alvin and his band have been pumping out righteous roots-rocking since long before the term had even been coined. And they’re still doin’ it the right way. They’ll bring the sweat; you bring the dancin’ shoes. With the Last Conspirators. More details here. 8pm. $17.

MUSIC: Mike Gordon @ Revolution Hall, Troy. You know, Mike Gordon from Phish. Sure you do. With Danny Barnes (see CD review here). 9pm. $20. UPDATE: SOLD OUT.

MUSIC: Chip Taylor @ The Linda, Albany. The author of such classics as “Wild Thing,” “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)” and “Angel of the Morning” steps up to the mic to showcase his latest album, “Yonkers NY.” Hey, and if that’s not enough reason to come out and see him, consider this – he’s Angelina Jolie’s uncle. 8pm. $17.

MUSIC: George Kilby, Jr. & the Road Dogs @ Franklin’s Tower, Albany. Roots rockin’ Americana and blues. 9pm. $5.

MUSIC: David Calarco’s Jazz Conclave @ Justin’s, Albany. Drummer Calarco leads his band – featuring guitarist Ron Petrides and bassist John Menegon – in a performance that’s being recorded for future release on DVD. 9:30pm.

MUSIC: Red Molly @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs. Described as “a cross between the Dixie Chicks and ‘O Brother Where Art Thou,” this fab female trio serves up vibrant roots music in celebration of their new album, “James.” 7 & 9:30pm. $20.

MUSIC: SOLOS^2 @ EMPAC at RPI, Troy. Gaudeamus Prize-winning soprano Tony Arnold, soprano Haleh Abghari and pianist Jacob Greenberg offer a dazzling concert. 8pm.

MUSIC: Cara @ Old Songs, Voorheesville. Led by a pair of powerhouse female vocalists, Cara delivers Celtic music so good that you might not realize that the band hails from Germany. 8pm. $20.

THEATER: “Girls Night Out: The Musical” @ Proctors, Schenectady. Five thirtysomething gals out for a night on the town. Fueled by such jukebox hits as “Lady Marmalade,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Man, I Feel Like a Woman,” “I Will Survive” and more. You get the idea… 8pm. $20, $35, $45.