5/24/10: Today’s Tips: Monday

READING: Poets Help Now @ Valentine’s Music Hall, Albany. It’s a very special edition of the Poets Speak Loud open mic session, which had been held monthly at Tess’ Lark Tavern until the fire earlier this month. So this evening is a benefit for Tess Collins and her staff. 7pm sign-up; 8pm reading. $5.

FILM: “The Godfather” @ the Palace Theatre, Albany. Francis Ford Coppola’s classic 1972 film starring Marlon Brando as Don Corleone was No. 3 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time. Arrive early and enjoy an hour of classic movie trailers, music and other surprises from the vintage film vault starting at 6pm. 7pm. $5.

MUSIC: Karen O & Nick Zinner @ the Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield. Two members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs take the stage for an intimate acoustic performance to benefit the theater. Imaad Wasif opens the show. 7:30pm. $25, $45.

VARIETY: Bing Bamboo Room Burlesque @ Savannah’s, Albany. Emcee Mr. Guy Smiley presides over the monthly burlesque and vaudeville extravaganza featuring performances by Scooter Pie, Samara, Marie RaMoan, Madame Trixie, the Primalmatic Pryroaddicts, Lilly Allure, Madisin, Lolita Massacre and others. 8 & 10pm. $8.

MUSIC: The Punch Brothers @ the Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton. Adventurous, acoustic progressive music with mandolin master Chris Thile at the helm. 7pm. $25.