Kid Congo Powers and the Pink Monkey Birds

In his former life, Kid Congo Powers was known as Brian Tristan and was living life in suburban L.A. Then he picked up a guitar, and, rechristened Kid Congo Powers, played with Gun Club and the Cramps and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

His latest band, the Pink Monkey Birds, are coming to Valentine’s tonight on the wings of their debut disc, Philosophy and Underwear. It’s full of, according to the Boston Phoenix, “slide guitars and tortured bent notes,” “sharp skittering tones” and vocals that sneer and purr.

Also on the bill: the Wasted. A matched lineup if there ever was one.

Kid Congo Powers and the Pink Monkey Birds will perform tonight (Thursday, Sept. 21) at 9 PM at Valentine’s (17 New Scotland Ave., Albany).

Polish Fest

It’s that time of year again, as the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa Parish will be hosting Polish Fest this weekend. The 5th annual edition of the three-day event will host many of the events people have come to expect (and love).

Friday night, DJ Mark Ives will spin from 5 to 6 PM, followed by four hours of fun with polka music—and free polka lessons—and the area’s “only gourmet pierogi bar.” On Saturday, there will be craft vendors, children’s games in the activities tent, a silent auction, a number of polka bands and Polish dance groups, including the Figiel Brothers Band in the main tent from 6 to 10 PM. Also, Polish art will be displayed in the Cultural Hall all day, and, of course, there will be more great food—including pierogis. On Sunday, more bands and vendors, plus an ice sculpture, cooking demonstration and a special Chopin recital at 1 PM.

Polish Fest will be held tomorrow (Friday) through Sunday (Sept. 22-24) at the Blessed Virgin Mary of Czestochowa Parish (250 Maxwell Road, Latham), across from the Times Union building. Activities are from 5 to 10 PM Friday, noon to 10 PM Saturday and 10:30 AM to 6 PM Sunday. Admission is $4 Friday, $8 Saturday and $6 Sunday; children under 16 are admitted free if accompanied by an adult, and there is a $1 discount off admission with a Price Chopper Advantage Card. For more information, visit www.polishfest-ny.org, or call 453-2258.

Works on Paper: A Selection of Recent Gifts

The Clark Art Institute will highlight gifts given to the museum in 2005 and 2006 with a new exhibition called Works on Paper: A Selection of Recent Gifts. The installation will include a dozen works on paper from the 16th to 20th centuries. This show is designed to “bring to the fore the generosity of donors as well as the Clark’s ever-expanding collection of prints, drawings and photographs.

Works on Paper: A Selection of Recent Gifts will open at the Clark Art Institute (225 South St., Williamstown, Mass.) on Saturday (Sept. 23), and will continue through Jan. 7, 2007. For more information, call the museum at (413) 458-2303.