7/22/11: Today’s Tips: Friday

RACING: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs. And they’re off… gates at 11am; racing at 1pm. $3; clubhouse $5; children 12 and under free.

MUSIC: Talib Kweli @ the Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield. In support of his latest solo album, “Gutter Rainbows,” the New York hip-hop hero lands in the Berkshires as part of the Lift Ev’ry Voice celebration. 8pm. $20, $35, $55.

FESTIVAL/MUSIC: Falcon Ridge Folk Festival @ Dodds Farm, Hillsdale. It’s Day One of the three-day fest on four stages. Among today’s performers are Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson & the Magic Rockers, Red Horse, Dan Navarro, Professor Louie & the Crowmatix, Brother Sun, the Honeycutters and more. Today’s music starts at 12noon. $40; students and seniors $30; children 12 and under free. Through Sunday.

MUSIC: Aficionado @ Valentine’s Music Hall, Albany. A CD pre-release party for the indie-punk combo’s new, self-titled album for No Sleep Records, slated for release on Tuesday. With End of a Year, Self Defense Family, Nightmares for a Week and Form & File. 8pm.

THEATER: “Hello Out There” @ the Wood Theater, Glens Falls. The Adirondack Theatre Festival presents the world premiere of a new musical by Eric Price and Frank Terry based on the true-life story of a trio of teenagers who commit stock market fraud via the internet. Directed by Benjamin Endsley Klein. 8pm. $40. Through July 30.

MUSIC: Paul Geremia @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs. One of the great veteran acoustic bluesmen. With L.B. Walker. 8pm. $20.

FESTIVAL/MUSIC: Hats Off Music Festival @ various locations, downtown Saratoga Springs. See full schedule here. 7-11pm. FREE.

MUSIC: Eric Bibb @ Club Helsinki, Hudson. Read our in-depth interview with the soulful acoustic bluesman. 9pm.

FESTIVAL/MUSIC: Saratoga Blues Celebration @ Stockade Oriental Rug Imports, Saratoga Springs. See complete schedule here. 7pm. FREE.

MUSIC: Isle of Klezbos @ The Linda, Albany. A vibrant, neo-traditional, all-woman klezmer sextet. 8pm. $15.

MUSIC: Cracker @ Bearsville Theater, Woodstock. David Lowrey and Johnny Hickman lead the iconic alt-rockers into Woodstock where their lyrics – especially “What the world needs now is another folksinger like I need a hole in the head” – are sure to resonate deeply. With Nicole Atkins. 9pm. $25.

MUSIC: Hair of the Dog @ the Parting Glass, Saratoga Springs. Guaranteed post-track party. 8pm. $13.

FILM: “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” @ Clark Art Institute, Williamstown. Angela Bassett struts her stuff as Tina Turner in Brian Gibson’s 1993 film, while Laurence Fishburne simmers with sinister power as Turner’s husband Ike. 4pm.

MUSIC: Midnight Spaghetti & the Chocolate G-Strings @ Red Square, Albany. And the winner of the Worst Band Name of the Week is… 9pm.

MUSIC: Hollywood Undead @ Northern Lights, Clifton Park. With All That Remains and Hyro Da Hero. 8pm. $23.