6/2/11: Today’s Tips: Thursday

MUSIC: Vertical Horizon @ Corning Preserve’s Riverfront Park, Albany. The city’s big free weekly Alive at Five concert series kicks off with the late-’90s alt-rockers who scored with such tunes as “You’re a God,” “Everything You Want” and “Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning).” Only guitarist-vocalist Matt Scannell remains from the band’s heyday. With fine local funkateers Mirk. 5pm. FREE.

MUSIC: Council Fire @ McGeary’s, Albany. It’s summer time, and there’s plenty of fun going on in front of McGeary’s under the big tent for the Alive at Five after-party, as Rob Beaulieu and Todd Hanhurst lead Council Fire through selections from their just-released debut CD. 7:30pm. $5.

FESTIVAL/MUSIC: Mountain Jam @ Hunter Mountain, Hunter. Warren Haynes’ annual fest gets underway today with performances by Big Gigantic, Soulive, Zach Deputy, the London Souls and more. Music officially starts at 8:15pm. Through Sunday.

FESTIVAL/FILM: The Berkshire International Film Festival @ the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington. Andrew Rossi’s insightful documentary takes an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at The New York Times with “Page One: Inside The New York Times.” 7:30pm. $20.

FESTIVAL/MUSIC: LakeGeorge.com Elvis Festival @ Shepard Park, Lake George. It’s the opening night ceremony and concert for the four-day fest. Featuring Dwight Icenhower, Lance Dobinson, Denny Diamond, Ted Torres, Jesse Aaron and Mark Gagnon, as well as 2010 LakeGeorge.com Elvis Festival ’70s champion Mark Anthony and 2009 Ultimate Elvis Champion Bill Cherry. Emceed by Ronny Craig. 7:30pm. FREE.

MUSIC: The Realside @ LT’s Grill, Niskayuna. Terry McClain’s acoustic trio celebrates the release of their whopping, brand-new, 19-track album, “Shadows Until Light.” 6:30pm. FREE.

THEATER ON FILM: “The Importance of Being Earnest” @ Spectrum 8 Theatres, Albany. Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of the Oscar Wilde classic directed by Tony Award winner Brian Bedford, who also stars as Lady Bracknell. 7pm. $15; children 12 and under $12. Also at Time + Space Limited, Hudson at 8pm. $22; students $15.

TALK: “Conversation with Lar Lubovitch” @ the National Museum of Dance, Saratoga Springs. The internationally acclaimed choreographer will share personal insights on his approach to dance and concepts behind the three works his company will perform at SPAC on Thursday, June 9: the jazz-influenced “Coltrane’s Favorite Things,” “The Legend of Ten” (set to Brahms’ powerful Piano Quintet) and Lubovitch’s signature piece, “North Star.” 6:30pm. $8.

MUSIC: Sherri James Buxton & Friends @ the Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield. The jazz and cabaret song stylist and her band – pianist Bob Shepherd, bassist Dave Christopolis and drummer Dick DiNicola – leaf through the Great American Songbook at this benefit for Community Resources for People with Autism. With award-winning singer-songwriter Matt Cusson. 7pm. $15, $25, $35, $55.

MUSIC: The Knyghts of Fuzz @ Valentine’s Music Hall, Albany. With the Cheetah Whores and Bourbon Scum. Raw, rough, anything goes. Unadorned garage rock. 8pm.

MUSIC: Black John Wayne @ Badass Burrito, Troy. Showcasing their surprisingly multi-dimensional new album, “Serenade of the Black and Blues.” With Brawler. 7pm. FREE.

MUSIC: The Pat DiCesare Trio @ the Stockade Inn, Schenectady. Jazz. 7pm. FREE.

MUSIC: The Heavy Pets @ Red Square, Albany. Warming up before they head down to Mountain Jam in Hunter on Friday… 9pm. $7 in advance; $10 at the door.