Fall Arts Preview

Pop Music

Caffe Lena

47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 583-0022.

Sept. 29: Jim Gaudet. Sept. 30: Wintergreen. Oct. 6: Penny Lang. Oct. 7: Geoff Muldaur. Oct. 8: Tribute to Johnny Cash. Oct. 13: Old School Freight Train, Hot Day at the Zoo. Oct. 14: Professor Louie and the Crowmatix. Oct. 15: Aoife Clancy. Oct. 20: Bob Malone, Karen Nash. Oct. 21: Annie and the Hedonists. Oct. 22: Acoustic Strawbs. Oct. 24: Janis Ian. Oct. 27: Matt Haimovitz. Oct. 28: Ember Swift. Oct. 29: Dakota Dave Hull. Nov. 2: Richard Shindell, Kelly Flint. Nov. 3-5: Bob Warren Band. Nov. 10: the Laws, Rebecca and Ken Anderson. Nov. 11: Skidmore Small Jazz Ensembles. Nov. 12: Azzaam Hameed & Judy Wyle. Nov. 17: Roy Book Binder. Nov. 18: Jeff Warner, Dan Berggren & Ed Lowman. Nov. 19: Shtreiml. Nov. 24: Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams. Nov. 25: Paul Geremia. Dec. 1: Little Toby Walker. Dec. 2: Jess Klein, Stephen Clair. Dec. 3: Ellis Paul. Dec. 8: George Ward. Dec. 9: Annual Friends and Neighbors Holiday Show. Dec. 13: the Bobs Christmas Show. Dec. 15: Ramblin’ Jug Stompers. Dec. 16: Wholesale Klezmer Band Hannukah Show. Dec. 17: Chris Smither. Dec. 30: Racquette River Rounders.

Calvin Theatre

19 King St., Northampton, Mass., (800) THE-TICK.

Sept. 28: Aimee Mann, David Ford (special Acoustic performance). Oct. 7: James Taylor. Oct. 14: the Indigo Girls, Arizona. Oct. 21: 1964 the Tribute. Oct. 26: Taj Mahal Trio. Oct. 31: the Decemberists, Lavender Diamond. Nov. 2: Madeleine Peyroux, Phil Roy. Nov. 3: the Disco Biscuits. Nov. 6: Michael Franti & Spearhead, State Radio. Nov. 11: Ziggy Marley. Nov. 12: Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood. Nov. 16: David Grisman Quintet. Nov. 19: Doc Watson, the Hunger Mountain Boys. Dec. 15: Ronan Tynan.

Club Helsinki

284 Main St., Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-3394.

Sept. 29: Howard Fishman. Oct. 5: Jeff Lang. Oct. 6: the Iguanas. Oct. 13: Popa Chubby. Oct. 20: Club d’Elf featuring John Medeski, Groove Collective CD-release show. Oct. 22: David Jacobs Strain. Nov. 2: Fred Eaglesmith. Nov. 10: the M Shanghai String Band. Nov. 11: Jes Grew Grass featuring Phoebe Legere. Nov. 17: Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas.

The Colonial Theatre

111South St., Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 997-4444

Oct. 4: Leo Kottke. Oct. 14: T.S. Monk. Oct. 20: Kronos Quartet. Oct. 27: Leahy. Nov. 11: Audra McDonald. Nov. 16: Arlo Guthrie: The Guthrie Family Legacy Tour. Nov. 18: Sherrod Small and Lisa Landry. Dec. 1: Nnenna Freelon. Dec. 10: the Irish Rovers.

The Egg

Empire State Plaza, Albany, 473-1845.

Sept. 30: Hal Ketchum. Oct. 1: Tower of Power. Oct. 11: Great Big Sea. Oct. 14: Del McCoury Band, King Wilkie. Oct. 14: Martin Sexton. Oct. 17: Emmylou Harris, Teddy Thompson. Oct. 21: Madeleine Peyroux. Oct. 28: Acoustic Alchemy. Nov. 3: Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers. Nov. 4: the Subdudes. Nov. 5: Preservation Hall Band. Dec. 3: Hot Tuna.

EMPAC

110 8th St., Winslow Building, Troy, 276-4135

Oct. 27: Lee Ranaldo and Leah Singer.

Glens Falls Civic Center

1 Civic Center Plaza, Glens Falls, 798-0366

Oct. 20: Godsmack, Breaking Benjamin.

Iron Horse Music Hall

20 Center St., Northampton, Mass., (800) THE-TICK.

Sept. 28: Eric Lindell Band. Sept. 29: Chris Pureka, Gregory Alan Isakov CD-release show; the Kamikaze Hearts CD-release show, Levelette. Sept. 30: Jane Siberry, Anais Mitchell; the Stone Coyotes, Will Dailey CD-release show. Oct. 1: Erin McKeown, Lenelle Moise. Oct. 2: Jim Lauderdale, Jimmy Barret. Oct. 3: the Tannahill Weavers. Oct. 4: the Wailin’ Jennys, Michael Merenda & Ruth Ungar of the Mammals. Oct. 5: One For All; Stanton Moore Trio with Robert Walter and Will Bernard. Oct. 6: Marc Cohn, Vienna Tang. Oct. 7: Lisa Germano, Winterpills; Black Rebels. Oct. 8: John Gorka, Jesse DeNatale. Oct. 9: Damien Dempsey, Brendan James. Oct. 10: Hot Buttered Rum. Oct. 11: Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys, Sarah Borges. Oct. 12: Old School Freight Train, the Greencards; Eef Barzelay, Casey Dienel, Shawn Fogel. Oct. 13: Peter Case, Jon Dee Graham. Oct. 14: the Nields; Ryan Montbleau Band, John Francis. Oct. 15: Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers. Oct. 16: Jolie Holland, David Dondero. Oct. 18: Naked Eyes. Oct. 19: King Wilkie, Appalachian Still. Oct. 20: Girlyman, We’re About 9. Oct. 21: Nancy Rockland-Miller; Fear Nuttin’ Band. Oct. 22: Kaki King Band. Oct. 24: Joe Zawinul Syndicate. Oct. 25: Acoustic Alchemy. Oct. 26: Ember Swift. Oct. 27: Black 47. Oct. 28: Amos Lee. Oct. 29: Tracy Grammer, Adam Sweeney. Oct. 31: the Strawbs. Nov. 3: Patty Larkin, Stewart Lewis. Nov. 4: the Duhks. Nov. 5: Battlefield Band. Nov. 7: Peter Rowan. Nov. 8: Los Straitjackets. Nov. 9: Lee Roy Parnell. Nov. 10: Jonathan Edwards, Kenny White; Rocky Votolato, William Elliott Whitmore. Nov. 12: Richard Shindell. Nov. 17-18: Enter the Haggis. Nov. 19: Joe Belmont. Nov. 20: the Dadz, the Northamptones. Nov. 21: James Hunter Band. Nov. 24-25: Roomful of Blues. Nov. 26: Aztec Two-Step. Nov. 30: Tom Rush. Dec. 2: Dennis Crommett CD-release show. Dec. 6: Alejandro Escovedo. Dec. 8: Catie Curtis. Dec. 10: Kelly Joe Phelps, Erik Alan. Dec. 14: the Bobs Christmas show. Dec. 16: Leon Redbone. Dec. 17: David Mallett, Liz Carlisle. Dec. 22: Rory Block. Dec. 23: the Commander Cody Band, Stewart James and the Memphis Flyers. Dec. 28: Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson. Dec. 29: John Eddie. Dec. 30: Johnny A.

Justin’s

301 Lark St., Albany, 436-7008.

Sept. 28: Adrian Cohen Quintet. Sept. 29: Joe Barna, Ray Vega. Sept. 30: Jonathan Lorentz Quartet.

La Cocina

140 Waconah St., Pittsfield, Mass, (413) 499-6363.

Sept. 29: the Churchills. Sept. 30: Somebody’s Closet. Oct. 7: Roots of Creation.

Lark Tavern

453 Madison Ave., Albany, 463-9779.

Sept. 29: Wreckloose. Sept. 30: Starcode. Oct. 6: Raisinhead. Sept. 7: Spitfire Pilot. Sept. 13: the Sense Offenders, the Luxury Flats. Oct. 21: the Erotics. Oct. 28: the Erotics, the Decadent Royals. Nov. 3: Hector on Stilts. Nov. 4: Kingscastle. Nov. 25: Starcode.

Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

14 Castle St., Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-0100.

Oct. 27: Devil Music Ensemble. Nov. 11: Bill Frisell. Nov. 18: Papa Grows Funk. Nov. 24: Jesse Winchester, the Roches. Dec. 9: Ollabelle.

MASS MoCA

1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, Mass., (413) 664-4481.

Sept. 29: Rewind—A Cantata. Oct. 14: Las Rubias del Norte.

Northern Lights

North Country Commons, corner of Routes 146 and 146A, Clifton Park, 371-0012.

Sept. 29: the Wreckers. Oct. 7: Dr. Dirty John Valby. Oct. 11: Bullet for My Valentine, Escape the Fate, Drop Dead, Gorgeous. Oct. 12: Soilwork, Darkest Hour, Mnemic, Threat Signal. Oct. 13: Darryl Worley, Steve Azar. Oct. 14: Progoctoberfest with Tripod, Fear of Flying, Pinnicale, Yourmove, Encompass. Oct. 15: the Lost Prophets, Eighteen Visions, Boys Like Girls. Oct. 20: Gwar, the Red Chord, Municipal Waste. Oct. 25: Chiodos, Marks of a Hero, I’ll Be Romeo, Enigmatic Heart. Nov. 25: Silverstein, Aiden, It Dies Today, He is Legend, I Killed the Prom Queen.

Palace Theatre

19 Clinton Ave., Albany, 465-4663.

Oct. 28: the Fab Faux. Nov. 2: Queensrÿche. Nov. 3: Bob Weir and Ratdog. Nov. 10: Jewel. Nov. 11: George Jones.

Pearl Street

10 Pearl Street, Northampton, Mass., (800) THE-TICK.

Sept. 28: John Brown’s Body, Fear Nuttin’ Band. Sept. 29: Split Shift CD release party, Sanity is Chaos, Sundown, Yucky Octopus, Our Darkest Day, Zodiak. Sept. 30: White Boy Reggae, Hippie Freedom Funk Fest, the Bodhi Tree, Roots Down Below, Le’ Special, Ocean State. Oct. 1: Be Your Own Pet, Black Lips, Black Helicopter. Oct. 3: Everyone Orchestra. Oct. 6: Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter. Oct. 7: Yonder Mountain String Band. Oct. 11: the Melvins, Big Business, Ghostdigital. Oct. 13: Gone By Daylight, Dead Legend, Aeroplane 1929, Signature Escape; Cowboy Mouth. Oct. 14: the Pietasters; Donna the Buffalo. Oct. 17: the Suicide Girls Burlesque Tour, Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re. Oct. 18: Story of the Year, Anberlin, Greeley Estates, Monty Are I. Oct. 20: Brothers Past. Oct. 24: Ted Leo + Pharmacists, Bullseye. Oct. 26: Fiery Furnaces. Oct. 27: Granola Funk Express. Oct. 28: MC Chris. Oct. 28: Max Creek. Nov. 2: Blonde Redhead. Nov. 4: Bobby Previte’s Coalition of the Willing featuring Charlie Hunter, Robert Walter and Skerik. Nov. 15: Acoustic Africa featuring Habib Koite & Bamada, Vusi Mahlasela, Dobet Gnahore. Nov. 16: Citizen Cope. Nov. 17: Zox, Tally Hall, Ryan Montbleau. Nov. 18: Robert Pollard, Richard Davies. Dec. 31: Silver Jews.

Pepsi Arena

51 S. Pearl St., Albany, 487-2000.

Sept. 29: Gaither. Oct. 6: Blue Man Group. Oct. 21: Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Mars Volta. Oct. 24: Cheetah Girls, Vanessa Anne Hudgens.

Proctor’s Theatre

432 State St., Schenectady, 382-3884 ext. 68.

Sept. 30: the 5 Browns. Oct. 12: FES Festival of World Sacred Music. Nov. 1: Bo Diddley, Alvin Youngblood Heart, Ruthie Foster. Nov. 3: Peter, Paul and Mary.

Red Square

388 Broadway, Albany, 432-8584.

Sept. 28: Skadee. Sept. 29: Broadcast Live. Sept. 30: Cooper Union. Oct. 4: Chuch. Oct. 5: Virginia Coalition. Oct. 7: Alien-Nation. Oct. 11: Chuch. Oct. 13: Future Rock. Oct. 15: Touchpants. Oct. 18: Chuch. Oct. 19: Sam Kininger Band. Oct. 21: Riverboat Gamblers, Dead to Me. Oct. 26: Skerick’s Syncopated Taint Septet. Oct. 27: School Bus Yellow. Oct. 28: U-Melt. Dec. 7: Lotus.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Mother’s, Student Union, Troy, 276-8585.

Sept. 29: Gideon Freudman. Oct. 13: Cindy Mangsen, Steve Gillette.

Revolution Hall

421-425 River St., Troy, 273-2337.

Sept. 21: Phix. Sept. 22: Perpetual Groove, Moonshine Still. Oct. 6: Rory Block. Oct. 14: the Melvins, Big Business, Ghostdigital, Porn, Altamont. Oct. 19: Los Straitjackets. Oct. 21: Assembly of Dust. Oct. 28: the Refrigerators. Oct. 31: Uplift. Nov. 4: Celtic Frost, Goatwhore, Disciples of Berkowitz. Nov. 8: Particle. Nov. 10-11: Dark Star Orchestra. Nov. 16: Fear Factory, Suffocation, Hypocrisy, Decapitated. Nov. 17: the Refrigerators. Nov. 18: Moonspell, Katatonia, Daylight Dies, the Final Sleep. Dec. 1: Greg Brown.

Savannah’s

1 S. Pearl St.,Albany, 426-9647.

Sept. 21: the Indefinite Article Sept. 22: Vehicle (6 PM); No Outlet (10 PM). Sept. 23: George Boone Blues Band Sept. 29: Shanghai Cowboys and Me (5:30 PM); Scotty Mac and the Gold Tops (9:30 PM). Sept. 30: Rocky Velvet.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

State and Second streets, Troy, 273-0038.

Sept. 30: Ravi Shankar. Oct. 14: Chris Botti. Oct. 21: Jeff Daniels & Christine Lavin. Oct. 22: Dave Brubeck. Nov. 5: Rockapella. Nov. 18: David Grisman Quintet. Nov. 19: Putumayo’s Acoustic Africa. Dec. 2: Sister’s Christmas Catechism. Dec. 15: Judy Collins.

Turning Stone Casino Resort

Verona, (315) 361-6530.

Sept. 26: Alice Cooper. Sept. 28: Terri Clark. Sept. 29-30: Scintas. Oct. 5: Tower of Power, the Average White Power. Oct. 6: Engelbert Humperdinck. Oct. 8: Dwight Yoakam. Oct. 18: Cyndi Lauper. Oct. 21: Randy Travis. Oct. 26: Loretta Lynn. Oct. 27: Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood. Nov. 2: Hootie & the Blowfish. Nov. 3: Kris Kristofferson. Nov. 10: Cosmo. Nov. 7: Jewel. Nov. 16: Los Lobos. Nov. 24: Dr. Dirty John Valby. Nov. 25: Craig Morgan. Dec. 4: Clay Aiken. Dec. 7: the Wreckers, Little Big Town. Dec. 9: Benny Mardones. Dec. 12: Kenny Rogers. Dec. 15: Linda Eder. Dec. 29: Jim Gaffigan.

University at Albany

1400 Washington Ave., Albany, 442-3300

Oct. 19: All-American Rejects, Ima Robot.

Valentine’s

17 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 432-6572.

Sept. 29: Metalion, To Hell and Back. Sept. 30: knotworking, Slow Learner, French Press Marie. Oct. 7: Jim Lauderdale, Carolyn Marks. Oct. 10: Lisa Germano. Oct. 11: the Sword, Seemless, Hell on Sunday. Oct. 13-14: First Annual Root-A-Rama. Oct. 19: Mustard Plug, Against All Authority, Westbound Train, Bomb the Music Industry, the Late Night Show. Oct. 27: Murphy’s Law, Murderer’s Row, After the Fall, To Hell and Back, Society High. Nov. 20: Converge, Some Girls, Modern Life is War.

Van Dyck

237 Union St., Schenectady, 381-1111.

Sept. 29: Rosanne Raneri Band. Oct. 4: GE Global Research October Music Fest. Oct. 6: the Foy Brothers. Oct. 7: Dave’s True Story. Oct. 13: Mark Tolstrup Band, No Outlet. Oct. 14: O’2L. Oct. 18: Katahdin’s Edge. Oct. 21: Tunnels. Dec. 9: Jason Ricci.

WAMC Performing Arts Center

339 Central Ave., Albany, 465-5233 ext. 4

Sept. 29: Soul Kitchen 10th Anniversary. Sept. 30: the Don Byron Ivey Divey Trio. Oct. 5: Charlie Louvin. Oct. 7: Aztec Two-Step. Oct. 8: Al DiMeola Electric Quintet. Oct. 13: Work O’ the Weavers. Oct. 22: Dar Williams. Oct. 26: Harvie S. Nov. 3: Sonny Fortune. Nov. 4: Betty and the Baby Boomers 20th Anniversary. Nov. 10: Toshi Reagan. Nov. 16: the Kennedys, Sons of the Never Wrong.

Matisyahu at the Washington Avenue Armory.

Washington Avenue Armory

Corner of Washington Avenue and Lark Street, 476-1000

Oct. 6: the Strokes, South. Oct. 17: Matisyahu and Roots Tonic, State Radio, Moshav. Oct. 25: Zakk Wylde’s Black Label Society, Black Stone Cherry. Oct. 27: Golden Oldies concert. Oct. 29: Alice in Chains, Hurt. Nov. 14: Angels and Airwaves, the Sounds, Envy on the Coast.

Fall Cinema Preview

The fall is traditionally the most promising movie season, with the number of cheerfully mindless blockbusters matched by prestige dramas, indie releases and the usual slap-happy comedies. So, we have a new James Bond, a glossy thriller from Christopher Nolan, a happy brain-bubble from Michel Gondry and more Christian Bale than anyone can handle. All genres are represented here by promising films—and not a few probable clunkers. We also note with interest that All the King’s Men, which was included in last year’s Fall Cinema Preview, is finally getting released this week; it’s certain to have aged like fine wine on that shelf in the Sony vault.

Unconventional Entertainments

Global village idiot: Sacha Baron Cohen in Borat.

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan Sacha Baron Cohen is the man of the moment. His mockumentary about an idiot journalist from a fictionalized Kazakhstan touring the U.S.—and revealing our ugly prejudices—is very likely to be the funniest movie of the fall. It is, at the very least, the most anticipated. Jagshemash!

Volver Pedro Almodovar returns with yet another acclaimed, woman-centered melodrama featuring two of his more interesting leading ladies, Carmen Maura (Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown) and Penelope Cruz (yes, she was once an actress). This is big-time Oscar bait which might actually be good.

The Science of Sleep Dreams, reality—what’s the difference? And who really cares? Not the protagonist of Eternal Sunshine director Michel Gondry’s latest. With non-American hipster actors (Gael Garcia Bernal, Charlotte Gainsbourg), instead of Hollywood stars slumming in indieland.

Marie Antoinette The doomed French queen is a rich girl in search of self-actualization—and a good time—in Sofia Coppola’s candy-colored, shot-on-location biopic. The excellent cast includes Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Judy Davis, Rip Torn, Asia Argento (perfectly cast as Madame du Barry) and Steve Coogan.

Stranger Than Fiction Will Ferrell is an average guy who starts hearing a voice in his head. Unfortunately for him, it’s a famous novelist (Emma Thompson), and he’s a character in her latest novel. Oh, and she plans to kill him off. Surprisingly, this was not written by Charlie Kaufman.

Jesus Camp Praise the Lord! A documentary about a summer camp for pre-teens who want to preach the Gospel. The title pretty much says it all, about both the content and the filmmakers’ point of view.

Tenacious D in “The Pick of Destiny” Jack Black and Kyle Glass form a band—Tenacious D—and achieve transcendent rock & roll glory. Or something. Should be good for a couple of yuks.

The Holiday If that’s not enough Jack Black for you, he’s paired with Kate Winslet in this English romantic comedy. Also with Cameron Diaz and Jude Law.

For Your Consideration Christopher Guest’s latest faux docu-comedy is set in the indie film world, and explores what happens when a small film gets big Oscar-style attention. With Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Parker Posey, Harry Shearer, Fred Willard and Ricky Gervais.

Like a Kick in the Nuts

School for Scoundrels Take a little Anger Management, a lot of DodgeBall, a soupçon of Rushmore and, voilá: School for Scoundrels, a comedy about learning to be an aggressive asshole. Starring Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Heder.

Employee of the Month A couple of nitwit corporate nerds think that if they win employee of the month, the company Hot Babe (Jessica Simpson) will “date” them. Yeah, right.

Let’s Go to Prison Again, a case in which the title explains everything—that, and the fact this one was made by Mr. Show’s Bob Odenkirk.

Man of the Year Robin Williams plays a comedian who runs for, and is elected, President of the United States. Let’s hope he starts his term with a bombing raid on Texas.

Shut Up and Enjoy the Explosions

Casino Royale Daniel Craig is the new James Bond in this necessarily big-budget actioner. We want this to be good. Really.

Déjà Vu Tony Scott action-thriller about a time-traveling cop (Denzel Washington) trying to save a beautiful murder victim (Paula Patton, most recently in Idlewild). What does time travel have to do with déjà vu? Maybe we should ask Beyoncé.

Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker Alex Pettyfer is the title character in this adaptation of the first of a popular series of novels. Has a better cast, including Ewan McGregor, Sophie Okonedo and Mickey Rourke, than one might expect. A Eurohit, the sequels are already in the works.

The Guardian Combine a director (Andrew Davis, The Fugitive) and star (Kevin Costner) in need of hits with an “actor” (Ashton Kutcher) in need of action-movie cred, and this is what you get: a thriller about Navy Seals, with lots of water and explosions.

The Marine A marine comes home from war looking for a new life. His girlfriend is kidnapped; marine kicks ass.

More, More, More

Rocky Balboa This is such a terrible idea, it will probably work. Who can resist watching 60-year-old Sylvester Stallone bring his most popular character back to the screen? And box? Rambo IV is in the works, too.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning Executive producer Michael Bay had an idea: “Instead of a sequel, let’s make a prequel!” Bay’s continued employment is part of what makes Hollywood suck.

Black Christmas This is an example of counter-programming at its best. Black Christmas is a remake of a classic 1970s killer-in-a-sorority-house flick (that starred Juliet herself, Olivia Hussey); it’s set to open on Christmas Day. Kids, Santa’s leaving a slasher under the tree this year.

The Grudge 2 Hollywood’s love affair with Japanese horror cinema continues in this Tokyo-based remake/sequel. Sarah Michelle Gellar pops in long enough to justify her check.

The Return Speaking of Ms. Gellar, she’s carved out (sorry) quite a career for herself in quickie teen horror flicks. (The kids still love Buffy, apparently.) In this one, she’s a businesswoman drawn to the scene of a long-ago murder.

Saw III Jigsaw returns, with ugly new torments and gross methods of death. The kids love torture; no wonder George W. Bush can rape the Geneva Conventions with so little outcry.

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause Speaking of torture: Tim Allen dons the fat suit one more time, battling used-to-be-funny, now unbearably annoying Martin Short as Santa’s rival, Jack Frost.

The Big Pictures

The Prestige Christopher Nolan’s supernatural thriller stars Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman as rival 19th-century magicians. The trailer looks tremendous. With Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine and David Bowie (as Nikola Tesla).

Flags of Our Fathers Clint Eastwood’s epic about the World War II battle for the island of Iwo Jima, with a non-all-star-cast of newcomers. Scripted by Paul Haggis.

The Good German Intrigue in post-World War II Berlin with George Clooney and Cate Blanchett. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this thriller smells like Oscars.

The Departed Martin Scorsese’s remake of a Japanese thriller about a cop (Leonardo DiCaprio) who goes undercover with the mob, and a mobster (Matt Damon) who goes undercover with the cops. Problems ensue. Also starring Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg and Ray Winstone.

Dreamgirls The Broadway hit finally comes to the big screen, starring Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy. The director, Bill Condon, seems like an odd choice for a musical, but he’s not a hack—see Chris Columbus, Rent—and Condon’s other pictures (Gods and Monsters, Kinsey) were visually inventive. So there’s hope.

Apocalypto In Mel Gibson’s first post-Passion film, a secretive group of Jewish bankers plot the end of the world. OK, not really: It’s about a crisis in a pre-Columbian civilization.

Harsh Times Edgy thriller from director David Ayer (who wrote Dark Blue and Training Day) about an unbalanced Gulf War II vet (Christian Bale) running amok in Los Angeles for 24 hours. With Eva Longoria.

The Fountain This would be the long-sought “fountain of youth,” which Hugh Jackman (as a 16th-century explorer) finds and drinks from (and lives for centuries). Darren Aronofsky directed, with Rachel Weisz as Jackman’s long-lost love.

Lucky You Eric Bana competes in the World Series of Poker in this Curtis Hanson-directed drama, costarring Drew Barrymore. People still dig poker, eh? Weird.

Bobby Emilio Estevez directed this all-star drama about the RFK assassination, which stars (in no particular order) Anthony Hopkins, Demi Moore, Sharon Stone, Harry Belafonte, Helen Hunt, Nick Cannon, Martin Sheen, Joy Bryant, Elijah Wood, William H. Macy and Ashton Kutcher.

I Am He

Infamous You probably thought that Capote was enough about Truman Capote. The makers of Infamous hope to change your mind. With Toby Jones as the writer, Sandra Bullock as Harper Lee and the new Bond, Daniel Craig, as one of the In Cold Blood killers Oh, and Gwyneth Paltrow sings, if you like that sort of thing.

Running With Scissors A portrait of an unhappy childhood among the profoundly dysfunctional; the real-life family portrayed in the film is quite pissed about it. With Annette Bening, Gwyneth Paltrow (as a character named “Hope,” ugh), Brian Cox and Alec Baldwin.

The Last King of Scotland The title character (played by Simon McBurney) is based on the young Scotsman who became personal physician to Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, played with horrific vehemence by Forest Whitaker. Also with Gillian Anderson and Kerry Washington.

Catch a Fire Apartheid-era true story of a nonviolent South African driven to join the African National Congress by the white oppressors. With Derek Luke and Tim Robbins; directed by Phillip Noyce (The Quiet American, Rabbit-Proof Fence).

The Queen The big-screen biopic of Elizabeth II we’ve all been waiting for. That’s right, QE2—the current monarch of Great Britain. The great Helen Mirren will be carrying those oversized royal handbags.

Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus Nicole Kidman is Oscar-hunting again in this film about legendary photographer Arbus. With Robert Downey, Jr.

The Nativity Story A reverent treatment of the birth of Jesus Christ, with Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider) as Mary. Something for those not interested in Black Christmas (see above).

The Good Shepherd Robert De Niro, whose filmmaking efforts have been limited and uninteresting, directs this epic history of the Central Intelligence Agency. Starring Matt Damon.

The Pursuit of Happyness Will Smith wants an Oscar too, damn it, and will jerk as many tears as needed to get one in this “based on a true story” of a homeless wannabe stock broker and his young son.

A Good Year Russell Crowe would just settle for moviegoers liking him again, and so stars in this feel-good film about a self-absorbed businessman who inherits a vineyard—and a way of life. Ooh.

Family Fare

Happy Feet Animated fun with happy penguins. Because, as March of the Penguins proved, folks love penguins.

Open Season A grizzly bear (Martin Lawrence) and deer (Ashton Kutcher) try not to get killed in hunting season. Our sympathies are with the hunters. Animated.

Charlotte’s Web The E.B. White story newly animated, with Julia Roberts voicing Charlotte and Dakota Fanning as the pig.

Night at the Museum Ben Stiller is the new night guard at the museum, and is shocked that the exhibits come alive when the place closes down. Geez, with costars like Ricky Gervais and Mickey Rooney, he should have known something was up.

Deck the Halls Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito are wacky neighbors who battle over Christmas decorations. Nutty. Crazy. Wacky.

—Shawn Stone

Film Series & Festivals

Crandall Public Library Film Series

251 Glen St., Glens Falls, 792-6508. Call for showtimes.

Oct. 3: An Inconvenient Truth. Al Gore explains global warming. Oct. 10: Iron Island. Iranian drama about people living on an abandoned, rusting tanker in the Persian Gulf; there is subtext galore. Oct. 17: The New World. Terrence Malick’s instant cult classic about early European explorers in America. Oct. 24: Sketches of Frank Gehry. Documentary about the renowned architect. Nov. 7: Wordplay. Documentary about people crazy for crossword puzzles. Nov. 14: Thank You For Smoking. Wicked satire on tobacco lobbying, with Aaron Eckhart. Nov. 21: Stolen. The story of a notorious 1990 Boston art robbery. Nov. 28: Lacombe Lucien. Louis Malle’s 1974 drama about a French teenager in 1944 who, rejected by the resistance, collaborates with the Nazis. Dec. 5: A Prairie Home Companion. Robert Altman and Garrison Keillor created this narrative film based on the long-running PRI radio show.

FilmColumbia Festival

The Crandell Theatre, Main Street, Chatham, 392-1162, www.filmcolumbia.com. Call for registration and showtimes.

Oct. 19: Two Square Miles, Old Joy, Babel. Oct. 20: The Aura, Candy, The Lives of Others, Sneak Preview TBA, The Host. Oct. 21: Children’s Program, Requiem, The Celebration, Infamous, Sneak Preview TBA. Oct. 22: High School Film Project, Brother’s Shadow, Animation for Grown-Ups, Iraq in Fragments, Breaking and Entering.

MASS MoCA

1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, Mass., (413) 662-2111. All screenings at 8 PM.

Oct. 19: Two Square Miles, Tapping Maple Ridge. A documentary about stopping the construction of a cement plant near Hudson is paired with another about wind farms and maple syrup production in Lewis County, N.Y. Oct. 20: Blackmail. Alfred Hitchcock’s marvelous silent thriller—much superior to the sound version—with live music by the Alloy Orchestra. Oct. 27: Stephanie Daley. Tilda Swinton is a court-appointed psychologist in Hilary Brougher’s drama about a girl accused of a terrible crime.

New York Writers Institute Classic Film Series

Page Hall, 135 Western Ave., University at Albany’s downtown campus, Albany. Call for showtimes. 442-5620.

Sept. 29: Shakespeare Behind Bars. Documentary about a production of The Tempest at a Kentucky prison. Oct. 6: The Blondes. Argentine drama about a woman’s search for her parents, who were “disappeared” in that country’s “dirty war.” Oct. 13: The Cameraman. Buster Keaton’s last great silent comedy. With Marceline Day. Oct. 20: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Clint Eastwood’s film based on John Berendt’s best seller. Oct. 26: Poison. Todd Haynes’ acclaimed drama. Oct. 27: Boys Don’t Cry. Hilary Swank won an Oscar as Brandon Teena, a woman who passed as a man—and paid for this with her life. Nov. 3: Quai des Brumes. Marcel Carné’s moody, doomy, memorable 1938 melodrama about a man on the run. Nov. 10: A Letter to Three Wives. Snarky Joseph L. Mankiewicz-directed melodrama about three wives on a day trip who each receive a letter from the same “other woman” informing them that their husbands are leaving them. With Ann Southern and Kirk Douglas. Nov. 17: High and Low. Taut Akira Kurosawa melodrama about a kidnapping; the film casts a jaundiced eye at Japanese class divisions. Dec. 1: Hyenas. Senegalese drama about a rich, older woman who returns to her childhood village in search of revenge. Dec. 8: Black Narcissus. Powell and Pressburger drama about nuns trying to establish a convent in remote Nepal. Often cited as the most beautiful color film ever made.

Saratoga Film Forum Fall Series

The Arts Center, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 584-FILM. Call for showtimes and ticket prices.

Sept. 28-29, Oct. 1: Kinky Boots. Comedy about an English shoe factory that survives by making shoes for drag queens. With Chiwetel Ejiofor. Oct. 5-6, 8: L’Enfant. Dardenne brothers drama about a small-time hood faced with being a father. Oct. 7: Beowulf & Grendel. It’s the Norse warrior against the evil troll in this 2005 adaptation of the epic poem. With Stellan Skarsgard as King Hrothgar. Oct. 12-13, 15: A Prairie Home Companion. A fictionalized version of the radio program. Oct. 19-20, 22: Sketches of Frank Gehry. Documentary about the man who built Bard’s Fisher Center, L.A.’s Disney Concert Hall and Spain’s Guggenheim Museum (among others). Oct. 22: Hudson Valley Film and Video Festival. Oct. 26-27, 29: A Scanner Darkly. Richard Linklater’s excellent, animated version of Philip K. Dick’s terrifying novel of the near future. With Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr. and Winona Ryder. Nov. 2-3, 5: Little Miss Sunshine. Dysfunctional family takes road trip so young daughter can compete in beauty contest. Cruel and funny. Nov. 4: Swim for the River. Documentary about the first person to swim the length of the Hudson River. Sophie Scholl: The Final Days. Anti-Hitler youth meet their fate in 1943 Germany. Nov. 11: Paper Clips. Isolated kids in the mountains of Tennessee learn about the Holocaust in this documentary. Nov. 16-17, 19: Edmond. A shlub (William H. Macy) on the downward spiral. Written by David Mamet. Nov. 18: Nothing Really Happens: Memories of Aging Strippers. The title pretty much covers the subject matter. Nov. 24-26: The Heart of the Game. Documentary about inner-city, girl basketball players. Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 3: Water. Indian drama about Hindu widows. Dec. 7-8, 10: The Science of Sleep. Another visit to a Michel Gondry cinema funhouse. Dec. 14-15, 17: How to Eat Fried Worms. Kid drama about self-esteem and, well, eating fried worms.

Sanctuary for Independent Media

3361 6th Ave., Troy, 272-2390. Call for showtimes.

Sept. 28: Contested Streets, Memorial Ride, The Car-Free Lifestyle. Oct. 3: My Country, My Country. Oct. 6: Witches in Exile. Oct. 7: Darshan, the Embrace. Oct. 25: What Do You Tear Down Next?, How to Live in a City. The George Stoney Birthday Celebration. Oct. 26: Getting Out. Oct. 30: The Other Side. Nov. 2: In the Works Film and Video Festival. Nov. 14: The Camden 28. Nov. 15: Conversations on a Sunday Afternoon. Nov. 16: Men on the Edge: Fishermen’s Diary. Nov. 28: Independent America. Nov. 30: Talking Points + Talking Ponies. Dec. 7: Shadow Company. Dec. 14: Kabul Transit.

Time & Space Limited

434 Columbia St., Hudson, 822-8448. Call for showtimes.

Sept. 29-30, Oct. 1, 7: The War Tapes. The “home movies” of American G.I.’s in Iraq. Oct. 6-7: LoudQuietLoud. A documentary about the Pixies—Black Francis and company, not fairies or sprites. Oct. 8: A Grin Without a Cat. Chris Marker’s meditation on the fate of the New Left. Oct. 20, 22, 28: Been Rich All My Life. Documentary about Harlem chorus dancers of the 1930s. Oct. 27, 29: Aristide and the Endless Revolution. Documentary about the political story of Haiti over the last two decades.

WAMC Performing Arts Studio

339 Central Ave., Albany, 465-5233 ext. 4.

See listings under Film Specials in Metroland’s weekly movie clock.

Williamstown Film Festival

Various locations in and around Williamstown, Mass., (413) 458-9700, www.williamstownfilmfest.com

Oct. 19-29. See Web site for details.

Dance

Maude Baum and Company Dance Theatre/eba Dance Theatre

eba Theatre, 351 Hudson Ave., Albany, 465-9916.

Nov. 4, Nov. 5, Nov. 10, Nov. 11: Brave New Dances.

Snappy Dance Theater at the Egg.

The Egg

Empire State Plaza, Albany, 473-1845.

Oct. 21:Ten Foot Five. Oct. 27: [bjm_danse]. Nov. 17: India Jazz Suites. Dec.1: Snappy Dance Theater.

MASS MoCA

1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, Massachusetts, 664-4481.

Oct. 6, 7: Ballet Hispanico.

Palace Theatre

19 Clinton Ave., Albany, 465-4663.

Oct. 8: So You Think You Can Dance Tour: 2006.

Proctor’s Theatre

432 State St.., Schenectady, 346-6204.

Nov. 17: Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company. Dec. 2-3: Northeast Ballet’s Annual The Nutcracker.

Skidmore College

815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

Sept. 29, 30: Ellen Sinopoli Dance Theatre’s SPILL OUT! Oct. 14: Celebration Weekend Performance students present works choreographed by the faculty. Nov. 3: Stompin’ Soles and Terpsichore. Dec. 8, 9: Winter Dance Concert: Skidmore Dancers present works choreographed by the faculty.

Art and Exhibits

A.D.D. Gallery

22 Park Place, Hudson, 822-9763.

Through Oct. 8: Paintings by Jan Cunningham.

Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts

Route 28, Blue Mountain Lake, 352-7715.

Through Sept. 29: Vessels with Attitude by Christine French, and An Adirondack Aesthetic by Ellen Haffar. Through Oct. 13: Visions of America, works by Jerry Sheets. Sept. 23-Dec. 21: Perspectives, works by Pat Jackson. Oct. 5-Dec. 20: Open Emotion by Laura Smith. Oct. 10- Dec. 20: Drawn Out, works by Gay Lefebvre.

Adirondack Mountain Club

Route 9N, Luzerne Road, Lake George, 668-4447.

Through Oct. 31: Paintings of the Adirondacks, works by Robert Selkowitz. Oct. 31-Dec. 31: Upper Hudson Valley Watercolor Society.

Aimie’s Lobby Gallery

190-194 Glen St., Glens Falls, 792-8181.

Through Nov. 3: works by Wayne and Trudy Smith. Nov. 9-Jan. 5: works by Skidmore Ceramics.

Albany Center Galleries

Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Ave., Albany, 462-4775.

Sept. 26-Oct. 28: Jan Galligan Presents: Workspaced-Out—1976-2006, A Thirty-Year Introspective. Nov. 7-Dec. 16: works by Tara Fracalossi and Harold Lohner.

Albany Institute of History & Art

125 Washington Ave., Albany, 463-4478.

Through Nov. 5: Picture Perfect: Photographs of Washington Park. Through Dec. 3: Common Ground: 200 Years of Washington Park. Through Dec. 31: Louis Slobodkin: Albany Artist Rediscovered. Through Dec. 31: Flora, Fauna and Fantasy: The Art of Dorothy Lathrop. Through Dec. 31: The Lathrop Artists of Albany. Through Dec. 31: Frank Stella’s Moby Dick: The Waves 1985-89.

Albany International Airport

Colonie, 242-2243.

Through Oct. 22: Michael Oatman’s Model Citizens Giant Size, exhibition and documentary video screening.

Arts 220 Gallery & Studio

Route 22, Salem, 854-3406.

Sept. 30-Oct. 28: Works by Craig Barnes. Nov. 4-25: Works by Arts 220 students. Dec. 4-30: Works by Stephen Trombley.

The Arts Center Gallery at the Saratoga County Arts Council

Saratoga County Arts Council, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 584-4132.

Through Sept. 30: Works by Susan Wiley. Through Oct. 21: Indeterminate Places, works by Christopher Fennell and James Holl.

The Arts Center of the Capital Region

265 River St., Troy, 273-0552.

Through Dec. 31.Circular Reasoning: An Exploration of Contemporary Ceramics. Through Dec. 31: Slipped Away: The Story of Albany Slip and the 19th Century Stoneware of the Capital Region.

BCB ART

116 Warren St., Hudson, 828-4539.

Sept. 30-Nov. 19: Works by Eric Rhein and Joy Taylor.

Bennington Museum

West Main Street, Bennington, Vt., (802) 447-1571.

Through Oct. 16: The Jane Stickle Quilt. Through Nov. 3: In Place: The Photographs of Neil Rappaport.

Carrie Haddad Gallery

622 Warren St., Hudson, 828-1915.

Through Oct. 29: Naïve, new works by nine artists. Nov. 2-Dec. 10: Works by Jane Bloodgood-Abrams, Barbara Mink, and Tracy Helgeson. Dec. 14-Jan. 21: Works by Harry Orlyk and Craig Johns.

Center for Photography at Woodstock

59 Tinker St., Woodstock, (914) 679-9957.

Through Oct. 22: Relationships: A Ten Year Bond, selections from the CPW print collection. Through Oct. 22: Perfectible Worlds, works by Sage Sohier.

Chapel + Cultural Center at Rensselaer

2125 Burdett Ave., Troy, 274-7793.

Oct. 26-Dec. 31: Works by Sylvia Aronson.

Chapman Historical Museum

348 Glen St., Glens Falls, 793-2826.

Nov. 2-Feb. 4: Looking in the Mirror. Nov. 24-Jan. 7: Holiday Display: Hidden Stories.

Clark Art Institute

225 South St., Williamstown, Mass., (413) 458-9545.

Sept. 23-Jan. 7: Works on Paper: A Selection of Recent Gifts. Oct. 8-Dec. 31: Alpine Views: Alexandre Calame and the Swiss Landscape.

The College of St. Rose Art Gallery

Picotte Hall, 324 State St., Albany, 485-3900.

Through Oct. 12: Art and Design Faculty Show.

Columbia Greene Community College

4400 Route 23, Hudson, 828-4181.

Through Sept. 26: Great Shapes, works by Donna Gould. Through Sept. 28: Fly on the Wall: A Celebration of Exotic Salmon Flies. Through Oct. 6: Bright Ideas, fall fine art faculty show.

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

125 West Bay Road, Amherst, Mass., (413) 658-1100.

Througb Oct. 22: The Wonderful Art of Oz. Through Dec. 10: Process: From Person to Pencil to Published.

Farmers’ Museum

Lake Road, Route 80, Cooperstown, (888) 547-1499.

Through Oct. 31: Mysteries of the Lake: Otsego Lake . . . Past and Present.

Fenimore Art Museum

Lake Road, Route 80, Cooperstown, (607) 547-1400.

Through Dec. 31: Grandma Moses: Grandmother to the Nation. Through Dec. 31: Reveal Conceal: The Transforming Power of Masks. Through Dec. 31: Heartbeat and Harmony: The Art of American Indian Women. Through Dec. 31: Glories of Their Landscape: The Hudson River School.

Fulton Street Gallery

408 Fulton St., Troy, 274-8464.

Through Oct. 7: Invitational Fiber Arts Exhibition. Oct. 8-21: Trashion. Oct. 25-Nov. 26: Scared *****ess. Nov. 29-Dec. 31: Members exhibition and small works expo.

Gallery 100

445 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. 580-0818.

Through Oct. 28: Inside the House, works by Clarence King, Dale Payson, Regina Wickham, Don Wynn, and Deborah Zlotsky.

Hancock Shaker Village

Route 20, Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 443-0188.

Through Nov. 15: Handled with Care: The Function of Form in Shaker Craft.

Hudson Opera House

327 Warren St., Hudson, 822-1438.

Sept. 30-Nov. 11: Papering the Town, historic wallpaper exhibition.

Hudson Valley Community College

Marvin Teaching Gallery, 80 Vandenburgh Ave., Troy, 629-8063.

Through Nov. 4: Works by Stacy Greene. Nov. 16-Jan. 20 : Works by Robin Arnold.

The Hyde Collection

161 Warren St., Glens Falls, 792-1761.

Through Dec. 3: American Portraiture from the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. Through Dec. 10: Facing Abstraction: Refiguring the Body in the Twentieth Century.

Lake George Arts Project

Courthouse Gallery, Canada and Lower Amherst streets, Lake George Village, 668-2616.

Through Oct. 20: mixed-media collages by Gammy Miller. Nov. 4-Dec. 8: Images and installations by Richard Garrison.

Local Color Art Gallery

961 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, 786-6557.

Through Oct. 31: Art of the Harvest Moon.

Mass MoCA

1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, Mass., (413) 664-4481.

Through Oct. 31: Amusement Park, works by Carsten Höller. Through Dec. 31: Ahistoric Occasion: Artists Making History. Through Dec. 31: Gunnar A. Kaldewey: Artist Books for a Global World, Four Collaborations in Depth. Through Feb. 28: House of Oracles: A Huang Yong Ping Retrospective.

National Museum of Dance

99 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 584-2225.

Throguh Dec. 31: Dance of the Iroquois. Through Dec. 31: Young Dancer, photographs by Mark Sadan. Though Dec. 31: Memoirs of a Lake George Showboat Performer.

New York State Museum

Empire State Plaza, Albany, 474-5877.

Through Dec. 31: Preserving Family History: The Heritage of an Albany County Family. Through Jan. 7: Chocolate. Through Feb. 25: Represent: Selections from the Studio Museum in Harlem.

Nicole Fiacco Gallery

506 Warren St., Hudson, 828-5090.

Sept. 23-Oct. 30: Parallel Passages: Lynn Davis at the Sites of Frederic Edwin Church.

Norman Rockwell Museum

Route 183, Stockbridge, Mass., (413) 298-4100.

Through Oct. 29: Frederic Remington and the American Civil War: A Ghost Story. Through Jan. 28: Norman Rockwell’s 323 Saturday Evening Post Covers. Nov. 11-May 28: LitGraphic: Exploring the World of the Graphic Novel.

Oakroom Artists Gallery

First Unitarian Society, 1221 Wendell Ave., Schenectady, 374-4446.

Through Oct. 31: Works by George Dirolf and David Arsenault. Nov. 5-28: Works by Helga Prichard.

Opalka Gallery

Sage Colleges, 140 New Scotland Ave., Albany. 292-7742.

Through Oct. 22: Works by Robert Beck. Nov 5-Dec. 8: Seminal Works of Robert Richenburg.

Rensselaer County Historical Society

57 2nd St., Troy, 272-7232.

Through Sept. 30: Hold It! The Amazing, Incredible Box.

Schenectady Museum

Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady, 382-7890.

Through Oct. 31: Routes: Pathways of Migration.

SKH Gallery of Textiles and Fine Craft

Railroad Station, Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-3300.

Through Oct. 3: Works by Bernd Hausmann and Joby Baker. Nov. 4-Dec. 31: SKH Political.

Skidmore College

Schick Art Gallery, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 580-5049.

Oct. 5-Nov. 5: Selected Art Faculty Exhibition. Nov. 9-Dec. 17: Farouche, works by John McQueen.

Spencertown Academy

Route 203, Spencertown, 392-3693.

Sept. 24-Oct. 22: Abstractions, works by Christofer Haun, Josh Podell, Jennifer Riley, and Don Voisine. Oct. 28-Nov. 26: Focus: Robin Tewes.

Tang Teaching Museum and Gallery

Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 580-8080.

Through Oct. 15: Somnambulist/Fabulist. Through Dec. 30: Opener 11: Nina Katchadourian: All Forms of Attraction. Oct. 7-Dec. 30: Twice Drawn.

Thomas Cole National Historic Site

Catskill, 943-7465.

Through Oct. 29: Jasper Cropsey: Interpreting Nature.

Union College

Mandeville Gallery, Nott Memorial, Schenectady. 388-6131.

Through Oct. 15: Chester Alan Arthur: The Elegant President. Oct. 26-Feb. 4: Armed: Contemporary Artists on Violence.

University Art Museum

University at Albany, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, 442-4035.

Through Nov. 12: Julie Heffernan: Everything That Rises. Through Nov. 12: Flicker.

Valley Artisans Market

25 East Main St., Cambridge, 677-2765.

Through Oct. 14: When Czarinas Fly, works by Anastasia Nute.

Visions Gallery

Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany Pastoral Center, 40 N. Main Ave., Albany, 453-6600.

Through Oct. 27: Erich Miethner: Art and Life. Through 10/27: quilts by Brunhilda Miller.

Williams College Museum of Art

Williamstown, Mass., (413) 597-2429.

Through Dec. 31: Screening Architecture. Through Oct. 29: Jacqueline Humphries: New York. Through Oct. 1: Jackson Pollock at Williams College: A Tribute to Kirk Varnedoe ’67. Oct. 12-Dec. 24: The Moon is Broken: A Collection of Photography and Poetry. Oct. 12-April 15: Morning in a City, Hopper’s Masterpiece Revisited.

Classical Music

Albany Pro Musica

Performances are at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, www.albanypromusica.org.

Dec. 9: Handel’s Messiah.

Albany Symphony Orchestra

Concerts, under the direction of maestro David Alan Miller, take place at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy 273-0038; the Palace Theatre, Albany, 465-3334; Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, 584-6920.

Sept. 28: (Canfield Casino); Sept. 29 (Troy Savings Bank Music Hall): An Italian Sojourn, featuring works by Respighi, Vivaldi, Mendelssohn and the premiere of Antonioni’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra. With violinist Lorenza Borrani. Oct. 21 (Palace Theatre): Hooray for Hollywood, with guest pianist Kevin Cole. Nov. 10 (Troy Savings Bank Music Hall): Guest conductor David Lockington leads the ASO in works by Goldmark, Sibelius and the premiere of Sawyer’s The Gale of Life. With violinist Dylana Jenson. Dec. 2-3 (Palace Theatre): The Magic of Christmas.

Aston Magna

All performances are held at the Daniel Arts Center at Simon’s Rock College in Great Barrington, Mass., and begin at 6 PM. (413) 528-3595.

Oct. 7: Monteverdi and His World. Featuring baroque violinist Julie Leven and viola de gambist Laura Jeppesen.

Capitol Chamber Artists

First Congregational Church, 405 Quail St., Albany, 458-9231. Concert at 8 PM; preconcert recital at 7 PM.

Oct. 7: Creativity and Madness. A program of works by Robert and Clara Schumann. Nov. 18: 250 Years: A Mozart Birthday Celebration, From Child Prodigy to Struggling Master. All-Mozart program. Dec. 9: Beethoven Birthday Bash. An all-Beethoven program.

Close Encounters With Music

All performaces will be held at Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, Mass., and will start at 6 PM. (800) 843-0778.

Oct. 21: Romantic Troika: Schumann and His Circle. Featuring pianist Babette Hierholzer and guest Jane Alexander. Dec. 2: Cantiga! Vocal and Instrumental Music from the Land of 3 Faiths. With the Rose Ensemble.

deBlasiis Chamber Music Series

8 PM performances at the Hyde Collection, Helen Froehlich Auditorium, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls, 793-0531.

Oct. 16: Violinist Rolf Schulte and pianist James Winn. Nov. 13: Violist Julia Trahan and pianist Robin Guy.

Leaf Peeper Concerts in Columbia County

Performances are at 7:30 PM at St. James Church, Routes 66 and 203, Chatham, 325-3805.

Oct. 14: Works for violin, oboe and harpsichord with Edward and Virginia Brewer. Oct. 28: Premiere of a new trio by Kenny Barron.

Rhinebeck Chamber Music Society

Concerts start at 8 PM, and are at the Church of the Messiah, Route 9, Rhinebeck, (845) 876-2870.

Oct. 21: Cavani String Quartet. Nov. 11: Bard Conservatory Ensemble. Dec. 9: Rebel Baroque Ensemble.

Union College Concert Series

Union College Memorial Chapel, Union Street, Schenectady, 388-6131. Call for concert times.

Parker String Quartet at Union College.

Oct. 4: Pianist Leon Fleisher. Oct. 22: Florestan Piano Trio. Nov. 3: Parker String Quartet. Nov. 19: Pianist Pei-Yao Wang and friends.

Dec. 3: Boston Camerata.

Schenectady County Community College

Carl B. Taylor Community Auditorium, Begley Building, or Lally Mohawk Room, Elston Hall, SCCC, Schenectady, 381-1200. Call for times and locations.

Oct. 29: Capital Region Wind Ensemble. Nov. 29: SCCC Guitar Ensemble Concert. Dec. 4: SCCC Chorus and Vocal Chamber Ensemble Concert. Dec. 11: SCCC Woodwind Chamber Ensembles Concert. Dec. 15: SCCC Wind Ensemble Concert.

Schenectady Symphony Orchestra

Proctor’s Theatre, 432 State St., Schenectady, www.schenectadysymphony.org.

Oct. 15: Timeless Romanticism, with pianist Wei-Jen Yuan. Works by Carl Maria von Weber, Rachmaninoff, Brahms.

Skidmore College

Filene Recital Hall, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 580-5320.

Oct. 15: Veena Chandra. Oct. 16: Conwell Quintet. Oct. 19: Guitarist Jason Vieaux. Oct. 22: Skidmore College Orchestra. Oct. 27: Filene Scholarship Winners Concert. Nov. 16: Pianist Andre-Michel Schub. Nov. 18: Skidmore College Orchestra. Nov. 30: Aaron Goldberg Trio with Mark Turner. Dec. 2: Skidmore College Community Chorus.

Troy Chromatic Concerts

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Second and State streets, Troy, 273-0038.

Oct. 7: Trio Solsti. Nov. 6: Pianist Hélène Grimaud.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

Corner of Second and State streets, Troy, 273-0038.

Oct. 28: Soprano Measha Brueggergosman. Dec. 19: Canadian Brass Holiday Concert.

University at Albany

Concerts take place in the Recital Hall or the Main Theatre, Performing Arts Center, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, 442-3997.

Oct. 14: The Gershwin Project with pianist Matt Herskowitz. Oct. 21: Pianists Felice and Flora Kuan perform works by Debussy, Prokofiev and more. Oct. 22: University Symphony Orchestra. Oct. 30: University Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble. Nov. 5: Capital Collegiate Choral Fest VII. Dec. 3: 8th Annual Holiday Concert. Dec. 11: University Percussion and Jazz Ensembles.

Theater

Albany Civic Theater

285 Second Ave., Albany, 462-1297.

Through Sept. 24: Murder by Poe. Nov. 3-19: Last of the Red Hot Lovers.

Bard College

Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, (845) 758-7950

Oct. 7-8: Waiting for Godot. Oct. 11-14: Enough, A Piece of Monologue, Texts for Nothing III, VIII & XII. Oct. 12-15: The Beckett Trilogy: Molloy, Malone Dies, The Unnamable. Oct. 14-15: Westward Ho.

Barrington Stage Company

30 Union St., Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 236-8888.

Oct. 4-15: Mame.

Capital Repertory Theatre

111 N. Pearl St., Albany, 462-453

Through Oct. 14: Intimate Apparel. Nov. 3-Dec. 2: The Underpants. Dec. 8-31: Triple Expresso.

Chapel + Cultural Center

2125 Burdett Ave., Troy, 274-7793

Nov. 29: Bertrand Fay’s Greek Theater.

Cohoes Music Hall

58 Remsen St., Cohoes, 237-5858

Through Oct. 8: Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Colonial Theatre

111 South St., Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 448-8084

Oct. 7: The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Oct. 8: Steve Solomon’s My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m in Therapy.

Curtain Call Theatre

210 Old Loudon Road, Latham. 877-7529.

Through Oct. 7: The Foreigner. Oct. 2-Nov. 18: The Mystery of Irma Vep. Dec. 1-Jan. 6: Funny Money.

The Egg

Empire State Plaza, Albany, 473-1845.

Oct. 22: The Russian American Kids Circus. Oct. 29: Demetri Martin. Nov. 19: Romeo and Juliet. Dec. 3: Harry the Dirty Dog. Dec. 10: Carlos Mencia.

Ghent Playhouse

Route 66 and Town Hall Road, Ghent, 392-6264

Oct. 6-22: The Oldest Profession. Nov. 24-Dec. 10: Cinderella.

First Methodist Church

Voorheesville, 432-6351. Call for showtimes.

Dec. 1-3, 7-10: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Good Times Lakeview Inn

175 Lake Road, Ballston Lake, 399-9976.

Oct. 25, Nov. 15, Dec. 6, Dec. 31: Mystery on the Lake. Oct. 28, Nov. 17: Elvis on the Lake.

Hilton Center For the Performing Arts

40 Russell Road., Albany, 453-1048.

Oct. 13-22: Rumors. Nov. 10-19: Give My Regards to Broadway.

Home Made Theater

Spa Little Theater, Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, 587-4427.

Oct. 13-29: Urinetown, The Musical. Dec. 8-17: Alice in Wonderland.

Hubbard Hall

25 E. Main St., Cambridge, (518) 677-2495.

Nov. 9-Dec. 3: Long Days Journey Into Night.

Hudson Valley Community College

Maureen Stapleton Theater, 80 Vandenburgh Ave., Troy, 629-HVCC

Nov. 10: Savoy Express: Gilbert & Sullivan a la Carte.

New York State Theatre Institute

Schacht Fine Arts Center, Russell Sage College, 37 First St., Troy, 274-3256.

Oct. 6-24: Idiot’s Delight. Oct. 22-29: Better Don’t Talk. Dec. 1-16: A Wonderful Life.

Oldcastle Theatre Company

Route 9 and Gypsy Lane, Bennington, Vt., (802) 447-0564.

Through Oct. 8: Hard Times.

Proctor’s Theatre

432 State St., Schenectady, 346-6204.

Oct. 17-22: Mamma Mia!. Nov. 5: La Boheme. Nov. 8: If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. Nov. 19: Disney’s Cinderella Kids and Disney’s Jungle Book Kids. Nov. 25-26: Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida. Nov. 28: Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s A Christmas Carol. Dec. 1-3: Nutcracker. Dec. 5-10: The Producers.

Schenectady Civic Players

12 S. Church St., Schenectady, 382-2081.

Oct. 20-29: To Kill A Mockingbird. Dec. 8-17: Catch Me If You Can.

Shakespeare and Company

70 Kemble St., Lenox., Mass. (413) 637-1199

Oct. 19-29: Halloween: Kerfol & Poe.

Stageworks/Hudson

41 Cross St., Hudson, 822-9667

Oct. 18-29: Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker. Dec. 8-9: A Christmas Carol.

Steamer No. 10 Theatre

500 Western, Albany, (518) 438-5503.

Sept. 29-30, Nov. 24-25: Mop & Bucket Company. Oct. 13-15: Countess. Oct. 20-29: A Fine and Private Place. Nov. 3-5: Snow Dragon. Nov. 10-11: Antigone. Nov. 17-19: Rhinoceros. Dec. 1-17: Pantomime Puss and Boots.

University at Albany

Studio Theatre, University Performing Arts Center, Uptown Campus, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, 442-3997.

Sept. 27-28: Plays in Progress. Nov. 10-18: The Birthday Party.

Literary

Albany Public Library

161 Washington Ave., Albany, 427-4344.

Sept. 30, 2 PM: Banned and challenged book readings in observance of Banned Books Week. Oct. 2, 2-4 PM: “Community of Writers” presents writers Tim Cahill, the Poet Essence, and Rachel Zitomer. For information call 482-0262. 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 9:30 AM: Albany Writer’s Group.

Bard College

Annandale-on-Hudson, NY (845) 758-1539.

Oct. 2, 4 PM: William H. Gass, author of In the Heart of the Heart of the Country, will read from new work. Nov. 13, 2:30 PM: Lydia Davis, author of Almost No Memory, reads from new work. Nov. 27, 4 PM: Valerie Martin, author of Property, reads from new work.

The Book House

Stuyvesant Plaza, Western Ave., Albany, 489-4761.

Sept. 28, 2 PM: Suzanne Hokanson with Woven: A Bauhaus Memoir. Sept. 30, 2 PM: Brett Hartman with Hammerhead 84. Oct. 14, 2 PM: Anita Sanchez with The Teeth of the Lion. Oct. 24, 4 PM: For the kids, Jennifer Armstrong with Once Upon a Banana and The American Story. Oct. 26, 7 PM: Arlene Stein with My Eye of the Apple. Oct. 28, 2 PM: Katherine Min with Secondhand World. Oct. 29, 1-3 PM: Greg Case with One Cake, One Hundred Desserts. Nov. 2, 7 PM: Lynne Tillman with American Genius.

Caffé Lena

47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, 583-0022.

Oct. 4, 7 PM: Open mic to feature poet Andrea Gibson. Oct. 9, 7 PM: Capital District storytellers gather for open mic to spin their yarns. Nov. 1, 7 PM: Open mic to feature poet Tim Verhaegen. Nov. 13, 7 PM: Capital District storytellers will titiliate in this open mic. Nov. 26, 7 PM: Les Barker author of 76 books to mezmorize with his humorous poetry.

Market Block Books

290 River St., Troy, 328-0045.

Sept. 30, 1 PM: Melissa Robinson will sign her book The Search for Canasta 404: Love, Loss, and the POW-MIA Movement. Oct. 14, 11 AM: Amy Halloran will read her recently published works in Alimentum. Oct. 21, 1 PM: Gregory Rosenthal will sign and discuss his new book Car-Free Lifestyle Guide to the Capital Region: Living Joyfully, Responsibly and Communally. Oct. 26, 6:30 PM- 8:30 PM: Jeanne Shub will sign and discuss her new book Ready To Learn: How to Overcome Social and Behavorial Issues in the Primary Classroom. Nov. 4, 11 AM: Lynn Miller-Lachmann will sign her newest book, “eco-thriller” Dirt Cheap.

Moon & River Café

115 S. Ferry St., Schnectady, 382-1938.

First Saturday of every month, 5 PM: Wired! poetry open mic.

New York State Writers Institute Visiting Writers Series

Events take place on University at Albany’s uptown and downtown campuses. For information, call 442-5620.

Sept. 28, seminar 4:15 PM, reading 8 PM: Author and journalist Ron Rosenbaum, author of The Shakespeare Wars: Clashing Scholars, Public Fiascoes, Palace Coups, will answer questions and read. Oct. 5, seminar 4:15, reading 8 PM: Journalist Ann Jones, author of Kabul in Winter: Life Without Peace in Afghanistan will read. Oct. 10, 7 PM: staged reading of Russell Banks’ The Moor and Banks will be available for a discusison. Oct. 11, 4:15 PM seminar, 8 PM reading: Charles Mann, science journalist and nonfiction writer, author of 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus, (2005) to discuss book. Oct. 17, seminar 4:15 PM, reading 8 PM: Iranian-American author Nahid Rachlin, recently published her memoir, Persian Girls. Oct. 19, seminar 4:15 PM, reading 8 PM: Translator Gregory Rabassa to read from Gabriel García Márquez, Julio Cortázar, Mario Vargas Llosa, Clarice Lispector, and Jorge Amade. Oct. 24, 8 PM: Journalist and editor, John Berendt, to read. Oct. 31, reading 8 PM: Poet Leonard Slade Jr., author of 12 books, to read. Nov. 2, seminar 4:15 PM, reading 8 PM: Chinese-American Da Chen, author of Colors of the Mountain, to read. Nov. 7, reading 12:15 PM: Historian and biographer James Kiepper, author of Styles Bridges: Yankee Senator, to read. Nov. 9, seminar 4:15, reading 8 PM: Claire Messud author of The Emperor’s Children to read. Nov. 15, seminar 4:15 PM, reading 8 PM: Historian and bestselling author Garry Wills to read. Nov. 28, seminar 4:15 PM, reading 8 PM: Poet and fiction writer Yvette Christiansë will read. Nov. 30, seminar 4:15 PM, reading 8 PM: Poets Linda Pastan and Gerald Stern to read.

Open Door Bookstore

128 Jay St., Schenectady, 346-2719.

Oct. 6, noon-1:30: Rise Routenberg and Barbara Wasser to sign Divine Kosher Cuisine. Oct. 7, 1 PM- 2:30 PM: Russell Dunn and Barbara Delaney to sign Trails with Tails. Oct 10, 4 PM-5:30 PM: Author and illustrator David McPhail to sign When Sheep Sleep and Boy on the Brink. Oct. 26, 7:30 PM: Susan Richmond to sign and read from her new book of poetry Birding in Winter. Oct. 27, noon-1:30 PM: Elizabeth Rosner to sign Blue Nude. Oct. 28, 1 PM-2:30 PM: Greg Case to sign One Cake, One Hundred Desserts. Nov. 11, 1 PM-2:30 PM: Anita Sanchez to sign Teeth of the Lion. Nov 18: Scott Ritter to give a brief talk and sign Target Iraq: The Truth about the White House’s Plans for Regime Change. Dec. 2, 1 PM-2:30 PM: Jennifer Armstrong to sign Once Upon a Banana and The American Story: 100 True Tales from American History.

Saratoga Springs Public Library

49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, 584-1198.

Oct. 8, 3 PM: Saratoga Poetry Zone to feature Pamela Clements and Elaina Frulla as guest poets. Oct. 23, 7:30 PM: Writers on Reading welcomes guest writer Kim Jensen who will read her own work and lead a discussion of Israeli and Palestinian Voices: A Dialogue with Both Sides by Cathy Sultan.

Troy Public Library

100 Second St., Troy, 274-7071.

Oct. 24 and 31, 7 PM - 8:30 PM: Author, poet and journalist Iris Lee Underwood will shed light on the process through which an idea grows into a published work.

William K. Stanford Town Library

629 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, 458-9274.

Oct. 17, 7 PM: Tuesday Night Live Poets’ Corner features poets and writers to present their original work at this open forum.

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