9/6/13: Today’s Tips: Friday

FESTIVAL/MUSIC/FUNDRAISER: Restoration Festival @ Contemporary Artists Center at Woodside, Troy. It’s Day One of Rest Fest, featuring performances on two stages by the Parlor, Eastbound Jesus, Sgt. Dunbar & the Hobo Banned, Swamp Baby and more. Followed by on-site after-party. Doors open at 6pm; music begins at 6:30pm. $15. GO HERE for more info & complete performance schedule…

MUSIC: David Wax Museum @ WAMC-FM’s The Linda, Albany. After a couple of opening act performances, David Wax and the jawbone rattling Suz Slezak bring their unique Mexo-Americana fusion sound to town for their Nippertown concert headlining debut. With Cuddle Magic. 8pm. $18.

FESTIVAL/MUSIC: Albany Downtown JazzFest Competition @ various locations, Albany. Ten local jazz bands at ten different downtown venues, all competing for the grand prize – the opening slot on the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival on Saturday. Come on down and vote for your fave… 5-9pm. FREE. GO HERE for more for and performance schedule…

FESTIVAL/FOOD: Saratoga Wine & Food & Concours d’Elegance @ SPAC, Saratoga Springs. It’s Day One of gourmet food, fine wines and classic cars… Events at 10am, 12:30pm & 7pm.

MUSIC: Laura Marling @ Bearsville Theater, Woodstock. The sublime British-barn, California based singer-songwriter brings her solo tour to Woodstock in support of her latest album, Once I Was an Eagle. With Elijah & the Moon. 9pm. $25 & $35.

ARTS WALK: First Friday @ various locations, Albany. Albany’s monthly arts walk celebrates its seventh anniversary. Don’t miss “An Armory Show” at the Opalka Gallery… 5-9pm. FREE.

MUSIC: Crystal Bowersox @ Club Helsinki, Hudson. The “American Idol” finalist was the first contestant in the program’s history to perform one of her original songs. And she’s slated to portray country legend Patsy Cline in the Broadway production of “Always, Patsy Cline” this fall. With Emily Elbert. 9pm. $30; $50 VIP.

MUSIC: Spirit Family Reunion @ BSP Lounge, Kingston. The homegrown six-piece Americana folksters have won over fans from Mountain Jam to the Newport Folk Festival. With Last Good Tooth. 8pm. $12.

MUSIC: Anthony Fallacaro @ the Hollow Bar + Kitchen, Albany. With Holly & Evan and Bridgette Guerrette. 8pm. $10.

MUSIC: Thirteen Feet of Bluegrass @ Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs. Banjoman Bob Altschuler and guitarist-vocalist Pat Liddy lead the engaging quartet. 8pm. $17.

MUSIC: The Hallertau Band @ Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Troy. It’s the blues… 10pm. FREE.

ARTS WALK: First Friday @ various locations, Pittsfield. Visual art exhibitions and musical performances. 5-8pm. FREE.

PARTICIPATORY DANCE: First Friday Capital Swing Dance @ the Elks Lodge, Albany. swing dance lesson at 7:30pm; music by the Resonators at 8:30pm. $15; $10 students, limited income and seniors.

MUSIC: John Snyder Performing @ the Spotty Dog, Hudson. Great Barrington stalwart John Snyder will bring his improvisational drum and tape-loop work. 8pm. $5.

MUSIC: InCircles @ Valentine’s Music Hall, Albany. With Pruf and Damn Broads. 7pm.

GALA: Hooray for Hollywood Gala 2013 @ the Queensbury Hotel, Glens Falls. The red-carpet benefit for the Crandall Public Library celebrates books made into movies. Featuring a four-course dinner, live music and dancing with Doc Scanlon’s Rhythm Boys, auctions, lots of glamour, and full-on celebrity treatment. 6pm. $90; $75 for ages 40 and under.

MUSIC: Colleen Pratt & Friends @ Provence Restaurant, Albany. 7pm.