Reasons to Be Cheerful: 2011

ART: “PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death and God” @ UAlbany’s Performing Arts Center, Albany. Wednesday, January 19 is opening day of the mail art phenomenon exhibition. FREE. (Through Friday, February 11.)

THEATER: Bob Wiseman’s “Actionable” @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs. A one-man multi-media play about the music business written and performed by Bob Wiseman, formerly of Blue Rodeo. 8pm on Saturday, January 29. $14 in advance; $16 at the door.

MUSIC: Neko Case @ the Bearsville Theater, Woodstock. With Lost in the Trees. A double-barrel blast of top-notch indie music. 8pm on Tuesday, February 1. $40.

MUSIC: Hot Tuna with Jim Lauderdale and Charlie Musselwhite @ the Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield. A brilliant blend of country and blues. 7:30pm on Wednesday, February 9. $35, $55.

THEATER: The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s “Waiting for Godot” @ Massachussetts College of Liberal Arts’ Church Street Center, North Adams. Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece set in post-Katrina New Orleans. 5pm on Sunday, February 13. $12.

MUSIC: Flogging Molly @ Northern Lights, Clifton Park. Dave King – former lead singer for ’80s metal band Fastway – leads the best Cali-Celtic punk band around. 8pm on Sunday, February 20. $25.

THEATER: “The Lion King” @ Proctors, Schenectady. It’s the blockbuster of the spring theater season. Elton John music… Directed by Julie Taymor… Maybe you’ve heard of them? Tonight is opening night of a month-long stand. 8pm Tuesday, February 22-Sunday, March 20. $20-$80.

MUSIC: The Low Anthem @ MASS MoCA, North Adams. They were fabulous as the opening act for Emmylou Harris at The Egg in November. Can’t wait to see what they’ll do with a night of their own… 8pm on Saturday, March 5. $12 in advance; $16 at door; students $10.

MUSIC: Loretta Lynn @ the Calvin Theater, Northampton. The Queen of Country Music. 8pm on Saturday, March 5. $49.50, $59.50.

CLASSICAL MUSIC: Evelyn Glennie and the Albany Symphony Orchestra @ the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy. The acclaimed percussionist joins ASO on John Corigliano’s “Conjurer.” 7:30pm on Saturday, March 12. $19, $32, $42, $54; seniors $14, $27, $37, $49; children and students $15.

MUSIC: Joe Barna’s Sketches of Influence with the Brian Patneaude Quartet @ the College of Saint Rose’s Massry Center, Albany. Drummer Barna’s band celebrates the release of their debut CD; saxman Patneaude and his combo pay tribute to Michael Brecker. 7:30pm on Thursday, March 17. $15.

DVD/TELEVISION: The first season of “Treme” is slated for release on DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday, March 29. And, yes, we are still waiting as patiently as possible for HBO to start up season two…

MUSIC: Lee Konitz with the Empire Jazz Orchestra @ the Schenectady County Community College’s Taylor Auditorium, Schenectady. The legendary alto saxophonist teams up with EJO and director Bill Meckley for a soaring night of big band jazz. 8pm on Tuesday, April 12. $20; students $6.

THEATER: “Hair” @ Proctors, Schenectady. The Age of Aquarius dawns once again. 8pm on Tuesday, May 3-Sunday, May 8. $20-$70.

MUSIC: Neil Innes @ the Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton. The madcap musical mastermind who’s journeyed from the Bonzo Doo Dah Dog Band to the Rutles to Monty Python’s Flying Circus. 7pm on Wednesday, May 11. $17.50 in advance; $20 at the door.

FILM: Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life.” A new Terrence Malick movie? Already? Count us in. Starring Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jessica Chastain. Opening on Friday, May 27.

FESTIVAL/MUSIC/MORE: The Solid Sound Festival @ MASS MoCA, North Adams. Wilco returns. Who will they bring with them? On Tuesday, January 18, we’ll find out. Friday-Sunday, June 24-26.