Bits ‘n’ Pieces…

A FULL DECK O’ THE BLUES: The multi-talented Jason Ladanye is pulling double duty at Quintessence in Albany this weekend. Beginning at 10pm on Saturday night, he’ll be at the keyboards and/or guitar, laying down some fine, funky blues with his band the Card Sharks. Then Ladanye returns to Quintessence at 6:30pm on Sunday to show you what a card shark (or a card sharp, if you prefer) really does – up-close magic, card tricks and illusions.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?: “Real George” Guarino was one of the most dedicated supporters of the Nippertown music scene back in the ’80s – publishing the fab monthly alt-music mag Buzz Magazine and producing the weekly music television show “Real George’s Backroom.” These days Guarino is in the hypnosis business. He’s offering a free, one-hour session at 6pm tonight, in which he’ll teach you his Seven-Minute Self-Hypnosis Technique. The session takes place at A Peaceful Place in Clifton Park. Pre-registration is required, so call 518.256.6549 or email [email protected].

CANCELLED/NOT CANCELLED: Apparently, we jumped to a bit of a conclusion when we read on Revolution Hall’s website that the Pete Francis show originally slated for tonight had been cancelled. Cancelled at Rev Hall? Yes. But not really cancelled. Francis will hit the stage at Red Square tonight instead. It’s a CD release party for his brand new disc, “The Movie We Are In.” With the Rescues. 9pm. $13.

ROCKIN’ & RUNNIN’: The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is hosting the 5K Rock & Run event on Sunday morning. WNYT-TV’s Benita Zahn will be on hand to start the race at 10:30am (A one-mile kid’s race begins at 10am.) The race will begin at the apron of SPAC’s amphitheater and wind its way through the Saratoga Park. Runners will enjoy live entertainment at designated locations along the course by such popular local bands as Rock Box, the Accents, Girls Nite Out, Emeralds of July and Garland Nelson. The race concludes with a party on SPAC’s lawn, open to both race participants and spectators. All proceeds will benefit SPAC’s Vivienne Anderson arts education program for children. Day-of registration begins at 8am at SPAC’s amphitheater: Kids Race, $5 per person; Adults 5K, $25 per person. For more information, call 518.584.9330.

JUNKEE NO MORE: Drummer Andy Maroney is leaving the Juice Junkees. He’ll be playing his farewell gig with the band on Saturday night at the Tugboat Tavern in Cohoes – the same place the band started out 3 1/2 years ago. “After several lineup changes and many local gigs under my belt, I am leaving of my own accord, on good terms with the rest of the band,” Maroney explains. “It’s just time I moved on.” Meanwhile, Maroney will continue to man the drums for a couple of other bands – the Ruddys and Rudeke.