DOING THE LORD’S WORK The College of Saint Rose has announced the further expansion of their musical empire, and they want to share it with you, the people. Tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 30), the newly established Saints and Sinners Entertainment will host a songwriting symposium at the college’s Music Center (behind 1000 Madison Ave. in Albany). Songwriters Guild of America president Rick Carnes will be on hand to speak about a variety of songwriting-related topics in a morning session (10:30 to 11:30 AM); Friday evening from 7 to 10 PM, Carnes will moderate a songwriters’ circle, where musicians can showcase their live or recorded material and receive immediate feedback from an industry pro. It’s all free, but if you have any questions, feel free to contact saintsandsin nersent@gmail.com, or call 321-4812.

STRINGS ATTACHED The Hudson Opera House will host a live performance by Mike and Ruthy (Michael Merenda and Ruth Ungar Merenda of the Mammals) this Sunday (Dec. 2) night. Earlier that day, at 3 PM, the husband-and-wife duo will oversee a string-instrument workshop in the same location. Participants are encouraged to bring a fiddle, guitar or banjo to the workshop; there, you’ll learn a few “old-timey” tunes, leading up to an all-out jam session. It’s $5 to attend, free for kids. Call the HOH at 822-1438 for more info on both the workshop and performance.

NEED TO KNOW Seems like everybody’s in information- sharing mode this week, and the Saratoga County Arts Council is no exception. This Tuesday (Dec. 5), the SCAC, in association with D.C.-based public-interest group Public Knowledge, will present Copyright Law for Musicians, a one-hour tutorial and Q&A aimed at helping people get a handle on the rapidly changing universe of copyright law. Registration is $5, and refreshments will be provided. Call 584-4132 to reserve a spot.

YOU CAN ROCK Don’t try to hide it—you know you love Guitar Hero. And here’s your chance to show just how much you love it: Lark Street nightspot Bombers has announced the launch of a Guitar Hero tournament, running Thursday nights beginning Dec. 6. The tourney is sponsored by Labatt Beer, and monthly grand-prize winners will receive such coveted prizes as an Xbox 360, a Fender guitar, ski trips, and more. Of course it’s a 21-and-over event, since it’s a bar and all. Sorry, tykes. Give Bombers a shout at 463-9636 to find out more.

IN YOUR MEMORY Eight years ago, area artist Chris Ryan was murdered while walking home through Washington Park. On Saturday, Dec. 8, Valentine’s will host the annual Chris Ryan memorial concert, with proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund established in his name. Chris’ brother, musician Geoff Ryan, says, “My family and I have raised enough money every year since [Chris’ death] to present an annual scholarship to an outstanding Albany High student who pursues an education in the visual arts.” The amount of the scholarship has risen to $1,000, which is quite a lot of money for A) a high-school student, and B) an artist. The concert will feature a reunion of the Staziaks, former Crabapple frontman Don Bazley, Geoff Ryan’s current band Fahrenheit 420, twang specialists Jonesville, and New York City-based rockers Florence. In addition, a framed print of one of Chris Ryan’s last paintings will be raffled off at the show. What better way to celebrate and support the local arts? Call Valentine’s at 432-6572 for more info.

—John Brodeur

Let us know about local-music news and happenings for inclusion in Rough Mix: E-mail John Brodeur at jbrodeur@metroland.net or call (518) 463-2500 ext. 145.