PICKS OF THE WEEK
Section: PREVIEW, Page: P2
Date: Thursday, May 27, 2004
THURSDAY
More good news Albany's Underground Artists aren't so underground anymore. In February, their one-night-only ``Bakery Show'' brought out a crowd of at least 400, which filled a cramped space on Lark Street. That success has literally opened new doors for the group namely the majestic iron and glass doors to the cavernous Home Savings Bank in downtown Albany. Tonight and only tonight that grand but otherwise unused space will be filled with nearly 80 different works of art by 26 different local artists.
The collective may be gaining notoriety, but it's still made up of emerging and midcareer artists of unique talents and perspectives. Painters Chip Fasciana and Tommy Watkins, who organized and curated the event, are introducing a number of new artists in this show, including Caitlin Devereux-Lewis, Sam Contompasis, Tomas Maleve, Nina Stanley and the Times Union's own Michael P. Farrell. Among those exhibiting again are Greg Smith, Ingrid Staats and Greg Casey.
``We're always trying to introduce new people and intermingle them with people who are a little more accomplished,'' says Fasciana, adding that ``the prices will range from five bucks to five grand.'' 7-10 tonight. 11 N. Pearl Street at State Street. Free.
A lotta Bob
As the artist formerly known as Robert Zimmerman turns 63, the annual ``Rolling Thunder'' birthday bash in honor of Bob Dylan marks its own fifth anniversary with Dylan covers performed by a wealth of local musical talent, including Los Ramblers, the Rumdummies, Bryan Thomas, Mitch Elrod, Albie, Chris Busone, Mario Sevayega, Carl Smith and Dana Monteith's Iowa 80; Times Union contributor Michael Eck hosts. 6 p.m. Thursday. Old Chapel, Union College, Union St., Schenectady. 388-6124. Admission by donation.
Hiatt times
Can you call it a comeback when it's lasted almost two decades? Singer-songwriter John Hiatt's renaissance came with the 1987 album ``Bring the Family,'' which still ranks with Bob D's ``Blood on the Tracks'' as one of the best early-midlife-crisis discs ever. Last year's ``Beneath This Gruff Exterior'' recaptured the recorded-live feel of ``Family,'' and reunited Hiatt with guitarist Sonny Landreth. Don't go home till he plays ``Memphis in the Meantime.'' 7:30 tonight. The Egg, Empire State Plaza, Albany. 473-1845. $26. SATURDAY Fun at 50
If you've never been to the Great Escape before, what better time than than its 50th anniversary season? Technically, the park was known for years as Storytown USA, and its modest beginnings revolved around a nursery rhyme theme. But with ongoing expansions, bigger thrill rides, the addition of Splashwater Kingdom water park and its becoming part of the Six Flags family, the Lake George institution has certainly grown up. The Great Escape now covers more than 40 acres and contains more than 125 rides, shows and attractions, including six roller coasters. Daily operations for the season begin on Saturday, when the anniversary party continues with 2003 ``American Idol'' runner-up Kimberley Locke, who will be on hand to help crown the winner of our local knockoff, ``Capital Region Idol'' (and, no doubt, to plug her new CD). More music comes courtesy of the Columbia High School wind ensemble and the Bolton High School marching band; members of the Western New York Coaster Club will monopolize the Comet for two hours to celebrate the former Ontario roller coaster's 10th anniversary at the Great Escape. Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. Route 9, Lake George. 792-3500. $17-$39.99. Chamber(lain) music
Get a sneak peak at Tanglewood before the high-summer rush as the Close Encounters with Music series opens Ozawa Hall for the season. Artistic director and cellist Yehuda Hanani's latest program, titled ``The Gilded Age,'' highlights music and poetry from 1880 to 1920. Special guest performer Richard Chamberlain will read poetry by Edith Wharton and Henry James in between music by Mahler, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky and Amy Beach. Also on stage will be violinist Cho-Liang Lin, soprano Amy Burton, and pianist John Musto. 6 p.m. Saturday. Ozawa Hall, Tanglewood, Route 183, Lenox, Mass. (800) 843-0778. $30-35. Cello solo
Matt Haimovitz, whose career has taken him from concert halls to grotty rock clubs, brings his ``Anthem'' tour to Caffe Lena. 8 p.m. Saturday. Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs. $15. 583-0022. SUNDAY Three for a change
What's better than one ticked-off musician? How about three? Better yet, how about making it so their personnel reach across the musical boundaries separating alt-country, folk blues and hip-hop? Steve Earle, Odetta and Hancock Rux make it happen this weekend. 7:30 p.m. Sunday. MASS MoCA, 1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, Mass. (413) 662-2111. $22-$26. MONDAY Remembrance
``Now more than ever'' is a cliche, but what other sentiment could append itself to the observance of Memorial Day as this country wages war? A calendar of events and observances can be found on Page 22.
Photo Credit: CINDY SCHULTZ/TIMES UNION
Photo Caption: ARTIST CHIP FASCIANA wears his work on his clothes as he prepares for tonight's exhibit at the Home Savings Bank building in Albany.