1st Friday Albany

What began three years ago as a modest monthly exhibition of Albany’s underground arts scene has grown from a three-gallery event to a citywide celebration of arts and culture and inspired the start of other arts nights around the Capital Region.

Tomorrow, 1st Friday celebrates its three-year anniversary, and its continued growth, with art openings springing up at more than 40 venues—from the Albany Institute of History & Art to restaurants, real estate offices, coffee shops, even a tropical fish store.

So take a stroll through the city, or hop on board the complimentary trolley to take advantage of all the events: uptown, downtown, in Center Square and down Delaware Avenue. And afterwards, dance the night away with Capital Swing, or take in one of the many live music performances rounding out the party in the city that’s been dubbed the “Upstate Culture Capital.”

Pictured is Susan Stuart’s Opportunity (2009), which is part of the Assiduity exhibit you can check out as part of 1st Friday at Albany Center Gallery (39 Columbia St., Albany); the show is on view through Oct. 18.

1st Friday events take place throughout Albany tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 4) starting at 5 PM. As always, 1st Friday events are free and open to the public. For more info, including a complete schedule of events, visit 1stfridayalbany.org.

Tanglewood Jazz Festival

Grab that blanket. Pack up the picnic basket. It may be September, but summer ain’t over yet. For proof, look no further than Tanglewood, where this year’s jazz festival (and weather.com) promises 3 days of green grass, sunshine, and one truly diverse lineup.

Kicking things off Friday night will be clarinetist Paquito d’Rivera and his Latin jazz orchestra. In the jazz café, it’s alto saxophonist Benny Reid. On Saturday, John Pizzarelli (pictured) and Jessica Molaskey take their NPR jazz/interview show Radio Deluxe from their living room to the Tanglewood stage. Later, it’s violinist Regina Carter’s project Reverse Thread, which draws on Paganini as well as music from Mali and Uganda. Vocalists Nnenna Freelon and Harolyn Blackwell celebrate Ellington with a program called “Dreaming the Duke,” accompanied by David Bowie-collaborator Mike Garson.

On Sunday, there’s a Steinway duet featuring Kenny Barron and Mulgrew Miller, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Jon Faddis quartet, and finally, the legendary bassist Dave Holland with a lineup including Chris Potter and Robin Eubanks.

The Tanglewood Jazz Festival is at Tanglewood (297 West St., Lenox, Mass.), Friday (Sept. 4) through Sunday (Sept. 6). Single-day tickets range from $17 to $75. Call (413) 637-1600 for more info.

Eric Trudel

Another successful season at the Marcella Sembrich Opera Museum comes to a close with pianist Eric Trudel presenting his program of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 24 Preludes.

In a review titled “Trudel gives a virtuosic performance,” critic Gilbert Mott wrote: “By turns lyrical and explosive, [the preludes are] virtuosic miniatures that challenge a pianist’s technique and musicality. The Canadian-born pianist Eric Trudel . . . proved to be up to the challenge.”

Trudel has performed extensively around the world; his New York City performances have included recitals at Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Hall and the 92nd Street Y. He’s an excellent choice to say goodbye to the summer.

Eric Trudel will perform Saturday (Sept. 5) at 7:30 PM at the Marcella Sembrich Opera Museum (4800 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing). Tickets are $25. For more info, call 644-9839.