Experience Hendrix Tour

No, no. Despite this concert’s billing, Jimi Hendrix will not be performing tonight at the Palace. That would just be creepy. Sure, the circumstances of his death remain mysterious, and yes, he was something of a demigod even while he walked the Earth, but no matter how much acid you drop tonight, the best you can hope to hear is, um, pretty much every other psyched-out bluesman since his time.

Let’s face it: Hendrix is everywhere. Middle-school kids rock Axis: Bold as Love T-shirts these days, and with Ang Lee shooting a Woodstock blockbuster just down the block, what better time to reconnect with the real thing? The latter-day Experience rhythm section, Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox, will anchor an evening of Hendrix hits and some tunes inspired by his music. Guest slingers include Buddy Guy (pictured), Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, and Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford.

Go get experienced tonight (Oct. 16) at 7 PM at the Palace Theatre (19 Clinton Ave., Albany). Tickets are $51.50 or $61.50. Call 465-3334 for more info.

Organ Spectacular Weekend

You probably weren’t aware of this, but 2008 is the International Year of the Organ. As part of this celebration, there are events this weekend in Albany and Schenectady.

What, you may be wondering, does this experience offer? A chance to visit architecturally amazing local churches with majestic pipe organs that fill every corner with amazing sound. The fun begins tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 17) with a multimedia performance-presentation by Jeanine Jordan at 7:30 PM at the Westminster Presbyterian Church (262 State St., Albany). Admission is $10, $7 students.

The performances shift to Schenectady’s Zion Lutheran Church (153 Nott Terrace) Saturday (Oct. 18) from 9 AM to noon for “Pedals, Pipes and Pizza.” In other words, music and food. Call for prices.

On Sunday (Oct. 19), the action shifts back to Albany for a mini-tour beginning at 1:30 PM at the First Presbyterian Church (362 State St.), with a performance by Nancy Frank. At 2:10 PM, Alfred and Sue Fedak will perform at Westminster Presbyterian Church (262 State St.); at 2:50 PM, Neil Keen and Mary Bon will perform at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (107 State St.); and, finally, at 3:30 PM, there will be an organ recital and choral evensong at the Cathedral of All Saints (South Swan Street, across from the State Education Building).

For more info, visit agony.bizland.com or call 339-6297.

Mark Russell

OK, stop me if you’ve heard this one: “If the Republicans really want to drill for oil in Alaska, they should start opposing it. With a knee-jerk reaction, the Democrats will support it!”

Hoozah!

Even if you’re not familiar with Mark Russell, the piano-playing political satirist, you’ve probably seen variations on his act. After 30 years of lampooning Capital Hill at nightclubs, college commencement ceremonies, American embassy functions, corporate fundraisers and on public television, Russell himself has been aped by The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live.

In light of the coming elections, his Saturday night show should be chock-full of zingers.

Mark Russell comes to Proctors Theatre (432 State St., Schenectady) Saturday (Oct. 18) at 8 PM. Tickets are between $20 and $35. Call 346-6204 for more info.