6/1/10: Today’s Tips: Tuesday

MUSIC: Keith Pray’s Big Soul Ensemble @ the Van Dyck, Schenectady. In the wake of the recent fire at Tess’ Lark Tavern, the Big Soul Ensemble found itself homeless – and let’s face it, there aren’t a whole of places around Nippertown that are prepared to welcome a 17-piece big band. Fortunately, the Van Dyck has come to the rescue, and BSE will maintain its regular first-Tuesday-of-the-month schedule there until the doors of Tess’ Lark Tavern are re-opened. 8pm. Free.

PARTICIPATORY SPORTS: Bowling Benefit for Tess and the Lark Tavern @ Sportsman’s Bowling Alley, Schenectady. The Capital Area Pride Bowlers are sponsoring an evening of spares, strikes and splits, all for the benefit of the employees of Tess’ Lark Tavern. 7-10pm. $20.

READING/BOOK SIGNING: Randy Frost @ The Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley. Smith College professor Frost and his colleague Gail Stekett have written the book, “Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things,” which answers the question, “What happens when the stuff we own starts to own us?” 7pm. Free.