Odds & Ends @ The End of the Week

Here’s a few more weekend entertainment ideas that didn’t get included in any of the roundups because I was too busy taking this eyepopping virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel, a serious timesink.

Say goodbye: Thatcher Park, Schodack Island State Park and The Schuyler Mansion (along with a whole bunch of other state sites) are all closing for the foreseeable future on Sunday, May 16 at dusk.

Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius and Heard: Destinations @ Willowledge Geodesic Dome, Glenville. A special world jazz performance of original compositions inspired by Africa, Brazil and upstate New York. The performance will be followed by a complementary fine wine and cheese reception with Gustav’s delectables from the Honest Weight Food Coop. Saturday May 15, 4pm. $25 suggested donation / $10 kids.

Beer Making Workshop @ Olde Saratoga Brewing Company, Saratoga Springs. Brew master Reed Antis of Saratoga Zymergist will offer instruction on how to make delicious world class beer. Attendees will be able to sample fresh beer in the Olde Saratoga Tasting Room after the workshop. Saturday, May 15, 1-3pm. $15 (redeemable towards the purchse of beer making equipment.)

Walkway Celebration and Fundraiser @ Walkway Over The Hudson. A celebration of the new LED lighting and electrical system, marking the first time the public can experience the bridge after dark. Refreshments available as well as music (at various points on the bridge) by The Sleepy Hollow String Band, The Buff Orpington Trio, Long Steel Rail, Blue Gardenia, Mystic Ritual, The Riverbank Banjo Band and The M-Power Dance Troupe. Saturday, May 15, lighting ceremony at 8:30pm. Tickets required. $5.

If you’re in a bridge walking kind of mood, also check out The Mid-Hudson Bridge Music Installation by Joseph Bertolozzi; guests on the bridge or in adjacent Waryas and Johnson-Iorio Parks are invited to listen to music at the push of a button. Here’s a “making of” video by The New York Times. Free.

And if you’re already in the neighborhood: Hudson Valley Gamelan presents Giri Mekar and Chandra Kanchana @ Olin Hall, Bard College. Saturday, May 15 8pm. Suggested Donation $10 / Free for Bard staff and students.

Sales!

Guido’s Marketplace, Great Barrington. Truckload sale with cases at least 40% off. Friday-Saturday, May 14-15.

Spring Plant Sale and Book Sale @ Landis Arboretum, Esperance. Saturday-Sunday, May 15-16. 10am-4pm Free admission.

The Fort Orange Garden Club Annual Plant Sale @ The Pruyn House Complex, Latham. Saturday, May 15, 9am-4pm. Free admission.

Capital District Community Gardens Plant Sale @ Community Garden at Eighth and Eagle Street, Troy. Saturday, May 15 9am-1pm. Free admission.

You can also take a a bicycle tour of the various Capital District Community Gardens @ Troy Bike Rescue, Troy. Meet up at 11:30am. (And if you need a bike tuneup, show up at 11am and TBR will show you how.) Saturday, May 15, 12pm. Free.