6/23/10: Today’s Tips: Wednesday

MUSIC: Unforgettable Fire @ Headley District on River Street, Troy. The summer-long Rockin’ on the River concert series gets underway with the U2 tribute band. Nippertown faves Blue Factory open the show. 5pm. Free.

DANCE: The State Ballet of Georgia @ Jacob’s Pillow, Beckett. The summer dance season kicks into high gear as Jacob’s Pillow welcomes Nina Ananiashvili & the State Ballet of Georgia to the Ted Shawn Theatre at 8pm. Also the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble takes over the Doris Duke Theatre at 8:15pm. Both dance troupes perform through Sunday.

THEATER: “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” @ Barrington Stage Co., Pittsfield. When this chilling Stephen Sondheim musical thriller hit Broadway, it took home eight Tony Awards – including Best Musical. Tonight is opening night for BSC’s production starring Jeff McCarthy and Tony Award winner Harriet Harris. And directed by BSC artistic director Julianne Boyd. The production runs through Saturday, July 17. 7pm. $30, $44, $50.

MUSIC: Men @ the Cannonball Factory, Hudson. Just back from Brazil, the Brooklyn-based band and performance art collective MEN (featuring J.D. Samson from Le Tigre) launch a short American tour in Hudson, presented by Jean Deux Records. With Frankie Martin, NRG People. 7pm. $10.

FILM: “Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage” @ the Spectrum 8 Theatres, Albany. OK, this is the very last big-screen showing of the award-winning documentary about Geddy Lee and his bandmates. We really mean it this time… 7:15pm. $9; seniors $7.25; children $6.25.

MUSIC: Maria Zemantauski @ the Town Hall Courtyard, Halfmoon. Nippertown’s premiere flamenco guitarist is joined by percussionist extraordinaire Brian Melick. 6pm. Free.

THEATER: “It’s Jewdy’s Show: My Life as a Sitcom” @ Williamstown Theatre Festival, Williamstown. Judy Gold’s one-woman musical comedy show examines her life as seen through the lens of the television situation comedies of her youth. The production runs through Sunday, July 4. 8pm. $35.

MUSIC: Sam Whitehouse Duo @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs. Her vocal talents stretch from folk to blues to rock, and for her Emerging Artists showcase concert tonight, Whitehouse will be accompanied by guitarist James Edward. 7pm. $5.

OPERA ON FILM: Gounod’s “Romeo et Juliette” @ Time + Space Limited, Hudson. Filmed at the Metropolitan Opera with Met favorites Roberto Alagna and Anna Netrebko in the starring roles as Shakespeare’s tragic lovers. A Met Opera summer encore screening of the hugely popular HD broadcast. 6:30pm. $15.