9/28/11: Today’s Tips: Wednesday

MUSIC: The Gourds @ The Linda, Albany. Austin’s premier junkyard Americana combo have drawn frequent comparisons to the Band over the years, so for their new album, “Old Mad Joy,” they came up to Woodstock and recorded with Levon Helm’s guitarist/producer Larry Campbell. This should be a grand night for music. 8pm. $20.

CIRCUS: “Quidam” @ the Times Union Center, Albany. The incomparable Cirque du Soleil unleashes its tale of a bored young girl who slides into an imaginary world where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul. 7:30pm. $38, $53, $73, $93; students, seniors & military $34.50, $48, $66, $84; children $31, $43, $59, $75. Through Sunday.

ART FAIR/MUSIC: September in the City Art Fair @ Tricentennial Park, Albany. It’s the last in a series of weekly fall lunch-time diversion downtown, featuring art exhibits by regional artists and music by Annie & the Hedonists. 11:30am. FREE.

MUSIC: Rise Against @ Northern Lights, Clifton Park. Roaring into town in support of their latest album, “Endgame.” With the Black Pacific and White Wives. 8pm. $35.

MUSIC: Check Out Lucy @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs. A young, new alt-rock band featuring drummer Jonathan Neville, guitarist-vocalists Aaron Civic and Elliott Brassard and bassist Allan Anderson. 7pm. $5.

OPERA ON FILM: “Faust” @ Proctors, Schenectady. Live from the Royal Opera House, starring Angela Gheorghiu and Vittorio Grigolo. 2 & 7pm. $25.

TALK: James Elkins @ EMPAC’s Studio 2 at RPI, Troy. The renowned art historian discussed the wide range of image interpreting practices that take place across the departments of a university and assesses the state of scholarship on links between art and science. 6pm. FREE.

MUSIC: Jazzmin @ the Moon & River Cafe, Schenectady. Jazz sextet with vocalist Michelle Caminos at the microphone. 8pm. FREE.