AFI

Despair Faction—that’s what AFI, the Californian kings of goth-punk, call their loyal fanbase, though we would have gone with something like the Fire Tribe (sorry, Clay People). Nevertheless, Despair Faction, you have reason to despair no more! AFI are going to drape the Armory in the darkness of their hearts this Saturday, right after Halloween and just days before election day—no Albany resident is safe.

Picture Albany Mayor Jennings no longer tanned but instead covered in white face paint and purple eye shadow, or Gov. Pataki, returned triumphantly from Iowa, with his arms covered in frilly lace, his hair dyed black and cut into a gothic Mohawk, just to welcome the current kings of the undead into the capital of New York. Of course our favorite politicians would need to take on properly goth names like AFI lead singer Davey Havok, or bassist Hunter. We think John Sweeney’s goth name would be John Kickass; Pataki’s would be George Ghostly; and Jennings, simply Apricot. Seriously, though, don’t miss what might be one of the most exciting shows the Capital Region will be blessed with this season, and don’t forget to bring your face paint!

AFI will perform at the Washington Avenue Armory (195 Washington Ave., Albany) on Saturday (Nov. 4) at 8 PM. Tickets are $22. For tickets, call the box office at 694-7160 ext. 26.

The Underpants

We had a discussion in the office a year or so ago about words that are, and are not, funny. “Underpants,” it was agreed, is a very funny word.

Turns out we weren’t the first geniuses to come to this conclusion. When, back in, oh, 1910, Carl Sternheim wrote a play about a woman losing her underwear in public, he called it The Underpants. And, when Steve Martin adapted the play for modern audiences a few years back, he was smart enough to keep The Underpants as the title: It just says, “We’re going to bring the funny.”

Capital Repertory Theatre will present The Underpants, and they’re promising an “entertaining romp about politics, feminism, fidelity, sexuality and hidden desire.”(And underpants.) Mich ael Evan Haney is directing the production.

The Underpants opens tonight (Thursday, Nov. 2) with a pay-what-you-will performance at 7:30 PM at Capital Repertory Theatre (111 N. Pearl St., Albany). There are preview performances Friday through Tuesday (Nov. 3-7), with the grand opening night Wednesday (Nov. 8) at 7:30 PM. The run of the play continues through Dec. 2. Previews are $27-$32; regular performances are $35-$42. For more information, call the box office at 445-7469.

Vacancy

Albany has a rich history, a vibrant (if, occasionally, ethically challenged) state government, a diverse population, terrific restaurants and theaters, great public parks, plenty of fun things to do . . . and a boatload of abandoned buildings. One need look no further than Wellington Row on State Street downtown, but one should explore the city’s many neighborhoods, and you will find literally hundreds of beautiful, historically significant abandoned structures.

Historic Albany Foundation’s Vacant Buildings Initiative is “part of an effort to promote awareness of Albany’s endangered buildings.” Vacancy: Albany’s Abandoned Buildings Through Artists’ Eyes is HAF’s annual juried art show-auction-gala, and is one way the organization raises money for the program. By attending Vacancy this Saturday night, you can enjoy some wonderful art and support a very worthy cause.

Vacancy: Albany’s Abandoned Buildings Through Artists’ Eyes will be held Saturday (Nov. 4) from 7 to 10 PM at the Cathedral of All Saints (62 S. Swan St., Albany). Tickets are $50. For more information, call Historic Albany Foundation 465-0876 ext. 10.