Korean Spring Rolls

½ lb. ground chicken

1 cup finely Minced Carrot

1 cup finely minced white onion

1 cup finely minced celery

¼ cup sesame seed oil

¼ cup soy sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

1 package Spring Roll wrappers

2 egg yolks

4 cups oil for frying

By Arlene DeAngelus

Sun Sign Forecast
For March 2009

Best Days for March 2009:  13th, 20th, and 28th • To lose those extra pounds, begin a diet on the 10th 

By Susan Taylor

For the first time since I've started writing this column, there are no newly published books that excite me enough to review them, so I am going to briefly review three series that might catch your interest. Regularly scheduled reviews of brand new hardcovers will resume in April.

By Dan Moran

Finding career success when times are tough

Spring skiing

 Longer days and warmer temperatures of March turn the snow on ski mountains into a pebbly consistency that makes spring the optimal time of the year for skiing or snowboarding.
Spring is also when resorts slide into the silly season and schedule carnival and festival events. Whether it's pond skimming or shorts and bikini tops as outerwear, spring is a time like no other at ski areas.

By Linda McClain, CTA

Looking for a Caribbean-style destination within the United States? Are you singing the blues, shoveling snow, instead of relaxing on a sun-soaked beach? Why not visit The Florida Keys?

By Judith Torel

Hot off the press
New exercise recommendations for weight loss 

What parents model
The often over-looked secret to a better home

We all understand that life can be remarkably challenging, and that raising a family makes it more challenging, and having a strong-willed or difficult child multiples the struggles. In all situations, we still have to remember the vital importance of maintaining the most impeccable model as parents we can be. As a parenting coach, I am fond of reminding my clients that, "You can't expect your children to act better than you do."
How often are we willing to compromise what we know is right to indulge the emotion of the moment? If we are willing to be reactive like this, then here's what our children see:
• When Mom doesn't get me to do what she wants, she can scream and yell at me.
• When I don't listen to Dad, he can throw a tantrum.
• When Mom and Dad don't agree, they can fight and yell at one another.
So please understand: All your child knows is that Mom and Dad can yell, scream and fight with each other if they are unhappy. In fact, your children may also see you throwing grown-up tantrums: whining, complaining and sometimes even fighting between yourselves (just like siblings).
Inside your child's brain
Imagine that there is always a small recording device in your child's brain. This device is always recording information and always striving to understand how to handle things.
This recorder is taking notes about how to handle frustration, how do deal with anger, and when to complain and when to react. It never stops recording, and pays close attention to every comment.
But, this device is especially designed to record the events that are more intense, more emotional and more memorable. Those take a special place in your child's memories and serve as a guide to handling life.
How does your child understand the rules of life? For some, it sounds like this: When you don't get what you want, you just throw a fit. It's okay to yell and scream. It's okay to even embarrass yourselves in front of others, in order to try to get what you want by yelling and screaming. It's okay to be disrespectful if you are angry. And it's certainly okay to fight and yell to get what you really, really think is important.
Do you see how this works?
It is simply impossible to try to coach your children into remaining calm when they face frustration if you can't model this yourself.
It's impossible to teach your children to remain respectful and reasonable when they aren't getting what they want, if you have shown them that losing your cool is acceptable when you get frustrated or upset with someone.
What do you do when things get difficult? What do you do when you had a tough day? How pleasant are you to strangers who are short with you? How calm are you in the face of turmoil and stress?
Answer these questions, and you will have a good sense of what your kids are learning to do when they have had a tough day or when they're not getting what they want from life.
Dr. Randy Cale, a Clifton Park based parenting expert, author, speaker and licensed psychologist, offers practical guidance for a host of parenting concerns. Dr. Cale's new website, www.TerrificParenting.com offers valuable free parenting information and an e-mail newsletter.

There are many great achievers in the Capital Region-those paving the way in the arts, teachers and coaches and businessmen and women. We highlight four achievers on the following pages: a pioneer in the spa industry, a master chef, a college president and a choreographer.

Dale Miller

By Ciara McCann

Dale Miller is a name synonymous with the Capital Region. Many got to know him when he was head chef at Jack's Oyster House in Albany, and more recently he brought his culinary creations to the Inn at Erlowest in Lake George. Now, he has embarked on a new adventure: opening his own restaurant in downtown Albany called dalemiller. Knowing Miller, we're in for quite a treat.
At an age when most of us were more worried about surviving the daily life of junior high than laying the groundwork for our future career, Dale Miller was busy learning the fundamentals of cake decorating and developing his passion for cooking.
As one of the most prominent chefs in the Capital Region, Miller, 49, is known for his culinary flair, but you might be surprised to learn he actually began his career as a self-taught cake decorator at the young age of 11. He credits his aunt for turning him onto the hobby after she gave him a book on the topic. He soon began baking cakes for family friends and neighbors in his hometown of Tribes Hill, about an hour west of Albany.
Miller made cakes for weddings, showers, birthdays, and even made the local paper after baking a cake for the town's bicentennial. However, it wasn't until one of his clients asked him to not only bake the cake for her wedding shower, but also to make all the food for the party that he learned where his true passion lied.
"I found that I liked cooking a lot more," said Miller, who was 13 at the time. "It was more off-the-cuff. It was adding some seasoning here, a little more there - it wasn't just measuring and baking."
As a child, Miller always enjoyed being in the kitchen with his mother and has fond memories of helping her can and pickle food. His father also pitched in by hunting wild game.
"My mother was an excellent cook and I grew up around it," Miller said. "It was really the best thing for me to be around wanting to be a chef."
Though he had the talent, he wanted to further his skills by attending the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, south of Albany in Hyde Park. His aunt, a continued source of encouragement, showed him an article on the school and after a visit with his parents he decided it was the place for him.
"Those years really were the best years of my life," he said. "It was like being a kid in a candy shop."
After getting his degree it wasn't long until Miller was doing what he loved. His first job after graduating was as executive chef of the newly opened Raindancer Restaurant in Amsterdam in 1980. He helped the restaurant get on its feet and after five years moved on for a short stint at the Albany Marriot on Wolf Road.
At 26-years-old, Miller decided it was time for a change and purchased his first restaurant. The Stone Ends in Glenmont, which originally opened in 1955 by Henry Junco, was in need of some renovations - including a new roof and updated equipment, but the young chef was up for the challenge.
"I've always been a gambler, always taking risks and chances," he said.
He took the restaurant and made it his own. The menu was progressive American with international influences and also featured tableside cooking.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing, and Miller learned a lot from the mistakes he made during that time, like not fully investigating the condition of the building which caused many unforeseen costs.
"It made me realize that you have to be prepared for the unexpected. But I've always been a hard worker and I have a great work ethic that I learned from my parents."
After 11 years there, he decided to sell the Stone Ends as his career started to take form. In 1996, only a year before he left, he took part in one of the country's most prestigious culinary programs - the Certified Master Chef Exam. Begun in 1981 by the American Culinary Federation, it is the highest and most demanding level of achievement for a chef. The intense 10-day long test (today it's an eight-day long test) encompasses every major cuisine in the world, wines and spirits, dining room management, sanitations and more.
"I never thought I could pass," said Miller of the exam, which has a 90-percent failure rate.
It was held on familiar turf for Miller, the Culinary Institute of America, where it is held every year. No surprise to anyone who has eaten his food, Miller passed with flying colors. Scoring a five out of six, he was told by the sixth judge, who are master chefs themselves, he would have gotten a perfect score, however, "no one is perfect."
Passing the test made Miller one of only 53 chefs in the country with the esteemed certification, and since then only eight more have passed. This isn't Miller's only impressive achievement - he has been a guest chef at the James Beard House, a non-profit organization that promotes the culinary arts and frequently hosts industry professionals; is a member of the World Master Chefs Society; and has been honored with countless culinary awards.
With his new title as Master Chef also came many job opportunities. He almost moved to Ohio, but was persuaded to stay after an offer to become executive chef and partner at one of Albany's oldest and most popular establishments - Jack's Oyster House.
"I was really given full reign on the menu," he said, one of the selling points for the transition. While maintaining the more traditional Jack's-style dishes, Miller created a two-sided menu in which he was able put his own spin on things. In addition to the more traditional 1913-era style menu that catered to Jack's loyal customers, he created an updated "new millennium" side, which was more his style and contained more progressive and contemporary dishes.
A decade of satisfied diners later, Miller found himself settled into a routine, something that goes against his personality.
"I wanted to try something different," he said, "Shake things up."
And that he did, with a move up north to Lake George and a new position as general manager and executive chef at the Inn at Erlowest in January 2008.
With intentions of staying for the long run, Miller found he was not as happy as he thought he'd be at the restaurant and missed the Capital Region and his loyal client base. Then, last summer, he received an offer he couldn't refuse.
"It was a dream come true," said Miller, of the opportunity to open his own restaurant in downtown Albany. The offer came from James Linnan, an Albany attorney and frequent patron of Erlowest who refused to open the restaurant without Miller at the helm. And, he insisted it be named after Miller to reflect the reputation behind the food.
"I was really honored," he said.
The idea started to really take shape this past October, and since then Miller has been heavily involved in every aspect of the development of the new restaurant, from the décor to the menu.
"We're going to have a lot of different options," he said. The menu will feature American portions, which are regular sized plates, and European portions which are half the size for those who aren't big eaters.
"The half portions are also great if you want to try more than one entrée," said Miller.
The restaurant is located at 30 South Pearl Street in the Omni Plaza. Previously it was Stars Restaurant, which closed in 1995. It will also feature a multi-course tasting menu that Miller calls a "discovery menu," as well as a banquet facility on the penthouse floor, a garden terrace for use during warmer months, and a to-go kiosk that will feature small lunches.
One of the best things about the new restaurant will be the affordable prices.
"We're in an economic crunch, but I think people still want to go out and have a good time," he said. "We'll give them a wonderful meal and the Dale Miller experience, but at reasonable rates."
In his spare time, which isn't much, Miller enjoys gardening, travel, and not surprisingly, cooking at home with friends. He said he enjoys the Capital Region area and while he has toyed with the idea of moving, he is happy he stayed.
"I love the people here and the community spirit," he said. "There's also a great pool of talented chefs in the area that are constantly inspiring me."
For those aspiring chefs out there, he recommends working in an establishment first to see if you truly love it. While it is a rewarding career, it is also very demanding and you can't always be with family and friends on weekends.
But for Miller, who believes he has a God-given gift, it's all been worth it.
"It seems like I fell into something I really loved to do. I don't recall ever wanting to do anything else."
For more inforamtion visit dalemillerrestaurant.com.

Ellen Sinopoli

By Mary Beth Galarneau

Ellen Sinopoli is proof that you can successfully pursue a career in the arts. For 17 years the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company has been performing cutting edge, modern dance performances for audiences in the Capital Region. And, she has the prestigious honor of being the resident dance company at The Egg in downtown Albany.
Like many artists, the talent is innate.
"Dance was not something I chose. It chose me," said Sinopoli, 65, who credits her parents for her passion of dance and art. Both were artists - her father a violinist, her mother a dancer.
Regardless of the type of business, Sinopoli believes passion is a must to running a successful business. In the art world, determination and relentlessness can't hurt either. "Whatever you decide, get the very best training, advice and mentoring you can."
Sinapoli grew up in Hartford, CT, where she was exposed to various forms of dance, such as ballet and tap, from the time she could walk. As a teen she was exposed to modern dance and found she really enjoyed it, but it wasn't until she was an adult that she really fell in love with it.
"I felt it was more exciting and I liked the approach to movement."
She enrolled at Adelphi University on Long Island, where she earned a Bachelors Degree in Dance and was fortunate enough to work with the Paul Taylor Company; the resident company at the college for two years. "The experience was amazingly inspiring," said the 65-year old.
During college, she met her husband, Tom. His three-year stint in the military took them down south - North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. In each new state, Sinopoli taught dance at local schools. In 1969, they were back in New York and she entered the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance as a scholarship student.
She also became pregnant with her son and realized it was too difficult to continue dancing.
"I was a good dancer, but not professional. I couldn't put the time in that I needed to start performing."
During her seven-year absence from dance, she enjoyed the early years of her son's life and managed to earn a Master's degree in Library Science. 
Her husband's new job relocated the family to the Boston area. Now in her early thirties, Sinopoli was ready to dance again. Through local studios she became involved with choreographers, and within a year formed a small modern dance company with another woman.
She also began teaching modern dance at Walnut Hill School for the Arts, a private performing arts school in Natick, MA where she remained for 11 years. With a strong group of talented students, Sinopoli started thinking more of choreography with professional dancers.
When her son, now grown up, enrolled at NYU, the couple decided to follow suit to be closer to him. But, they didn't stay there too long. After a year, her husband's job relocated them in 1990, this time to the Capital Region.
And with the move, she decided that if she was going to stay within her field, she wanted to create a professional modern dance company that would allow her to work with highly trained dancers while continuing to develop her skill as a choreographer.
"I didn't know anyone," she said, but quickly discovered the dance community. A year later she formed The Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company. "With every major move, I have been able to reform myself and regroup and figure out what I wanted to do."
As a choreographer, she is not one who demands the dancers learn a movement in a specific way. Rather, she prefers to utilize their ideas.
"I feel it's a creative process and I enjoy taking ideas from them. They bring artistry to it. It is essential we work as a team."
She currently has a group of five part-time dancers, all women in their mid-twenties. They typically come from across the country, but she has also worked with dancers from as far away as Japan.
"Each year, the dancers who come to work for me bring increased artistry, training and professionalism. They inspire me and they expand my vision."
Her performances are known for being different and "outside of the box" and her knack for creating unique choreography was what landed her the gig at the Egg, where every year her company puts on one to two performances.
In her early years of the company, collaborations were far from her mind. But she quickly realized that working with the many other artists in the area could be beneficial.
"I find that collaborations, if worked and developed intelligently and with respect for each artist's genre, can be extraordinarily invigorating, rewarding and successful."
Presenting concerts at the Egg is only a small part of her daily job. Sinopoli has taught dance at Russell Sage College for the past 15 years and, more recently, she began teaching at Siena. She formed a partnership with the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy where she teaches workshops, and works with between 30 to 50 local public schools by bringing creative moment workshops to them. In turn, this helps them meet their New York State Learning Standards.
"Most schools are not in a position to have a full-time dance teacher," she said. Many times she works with the art teacher, gym teacher, or even the principal, to develop programs they're interested in. She averages between 250-300 movement workshops a year and 8-12 concerts.
"We might do a workshop for a day and leave, or it might take several weeks."
In her experience, Sinopoli has found that many of her students come in with a preconceived idea of what dance is about. "If one or two go on to become dancers, that's wonderful. If the majority go on to become audience members, that's even better."
Her concert work also takes her up north and down south and she hopes touring nationally is in her future. Other future ambitions include expanding the company to allow for full-time dancers and allowing students to apprentice.
Finally having planted down roots, Sinopoli relishes her time spent in the Capital Region. "I have always felt that the Capital Region easily and openly embraces its artists."
She remembers her mother once telling her how fortunate she and her father were to make a living doing what they loved. "Not everyone can make that happen," she said. "It was not until my adult years that I truly realized how much dance defined me as a human being."
To learn more visit www.sinopolidances.org.

Susan Scrimshaw

By Mary Beth Galarneau

When you think of a college president, you're not likely to conjure up the image of a motorcycle-riding, chorus-singing, community-oriented anthropologist with a sense of humor. But that improbable picture describes Susan Scrimshaw, Ph.D. in a nut shell.
Since moving to Troy last summer to take over as interim president of The Sage Colleges, Scrimshaw has embraced the area. In fact, extolling the Capital Region as a combination of "small-town intimacy [and] big-city sophistication," Scrimshaw had indulged in a wide array of local activities, from riding motorcycles with her husband in warmer months to joining the "Sage Singers", a singing group comprised of students, faculty and community members. At the other end of the spectrum, she has enjoyed many of the higher brow activities that the region has to offer. In fact, in her first three months here, she has attended more world-class musical events - the Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC, Tanglewood in the Berkshires, The Troy Music Hall, Albany Symphony and Sage's own NYSTI - then she had in her previous two years in Boston.
But the main attraction for Scrimshaw is The Sage Colleges. Since leaving her previous position as president of Simmons College in Boston, she has dived head-first into her new job, bringing with her a momentum that even she admits was not here a year ago.  Much of that momentum has to do with marketing, something the school didn't do much of in the past.
"They weren't telling the story," she said. "We have wonderful programs and began advertising in local papers, on billboards and in TV spots."
The campaign has paid off. Applications are up in the 40 percent range, compared to many other private colleges that are experiencing enrollment declines of up to 20 percent.
"There's a newfound energy and confidence now," marveled Dan Lundquist, vice president of Sage. "That's a pleasure to see - and be a part of - and there's something positively contagious about that," he continued, acknowledging that while Sage has always offered strong, relevant degree options, it was timid on the marketing side.
But marketing starts at home, and for Scrimshaw, that means involvement with her peers.
"I like to walk around and surprise people in their offices sometimes." As an administrator, she knows she can be consultative, but ultimately, she is the one who needs to make decisions. "We are all creating it [change] together, but there is no question that the president has to lead the way."
New blood
Part of Scrimshaw's leadership initiative revolves around her commitment to change. In her experience, she has found that it's important for an educational institution to have new blood, that "colleges need different styles at different times."
And she certainly has the experience. Prior to her job in Boston, she was the dean of the School of Public Health and professor of community health sciences and anthropology at the University of Illinois at Chicago for 12 years. She also served as the associate dean of public health and professor of public health and anthropology at UCLA in California. In addition, she also serves on many national boards. 
Scrimshaw's emphasis in public health grew out of a long standing interest in public health -in her case, an interest that arose as a child growing up in Guatemala, where her father established a Nutrition Research Institute. At age 16, her family moved to Boston, where her father chaired the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at MIT.
She remembers the transition to a new culture and language as a "tough adjustment."
Just two years later, she enrolled at Barnard College in NYC, where she majored in Latin American Studies and Anthropology. She obtained her M.A. and Ph.D in Anthropology from Columbia University.
Her career has taken her to the west coast, the mid-west and back to the east coast. Now settled at Sage, she hopes to bring the importance of public health to the forefront.
"One of the things we want to model here is the college as part of a lifelong learning experience for health."
But Scrimshaw is also encouraging young people to develop behaviors that they can model for life. Since today's students can expect to have 10 jobs in their lifetime, they must have an education that's flexible and teaches them to think on their feet.
"It's important to educate both halves of the brain," she said, explaining, "cross education." For example, an art major will also be taught to be an administrator and know how to do graphic design.
"It's not business as usual," she said. "I want Sage to be a 21st century small university."
While it's difficult for her to teach a class - "it's very hard for a president to show up at the same time every week," she said, she keeps active in the classroom by guest lecturing, calling it, "the best of both worlds."
A typical day for Scrimshaw is packed with meetings and phone calls. On this particular day, she was at the re-opening of the swimming pool on the Troy campus, then she was in a strategic planning meeting for four hours, followed by another meeting with the advancement team and two faculty members.
When she's not at work, she does a lot of "thinking and writing" at home in the evenings and on weekends. But this accomplished scholar has her vices just like everyone else. Recently, she wanted to catch an episode of "Grey's Anatomy", but knew she had a key letter she had to write, foregoing her weekly entertainment.
It helps her that she has a husband who encourages her "to get out of the house and do something physical," because her commitment to Sage appears, at times, to be unyielding, and that's great for the institution. Scrimshaw's commitment to the College is evident in the fact that, as we go to press, she is in talks with them about becoming the school's permanent president. "It's like a lease with the option to buy," she laughs.
Well, we're buying!
For more information visit www.sage.edu.

Jean Claude Simille

By Mary Beth Galarneau

Once the proclaimed "king of short hair" and the first to open a unisex salon in Albany, Jean Claude Simille has had his finger on the pulse of how to help Capital Region women look their best for over 30 years.
Simille, owner of Jean Paul Spa and Jean Paul Hair Salon, both located in Albany's Stuyvesant Plaza, is a pioneer of women's spas in the area. Since he opened up Jean Paul Spa in 1990, numerous other spas in the area have sprung up. But not all will attain the level of success that he has. 
Born in the French Alps, Simille learned his trade by apprenticing in Paris with Elizabeth Arden. He's traveled all over the world - Paris, Stockholm, Brussels, Cannes, Palm Beach and Chicago - honing his skills. Eventually, he moved to New York City where he worked at a hair salon for eight years. But, a trivial disagreement with his boss (over smoking cigarettes) forced Simille to take a leave of absence and he headed for his ski house in the Catskills with his late brother, Paul. On a drive up to Albany, they saw a "For Rent" sign on a building on Central Avenue and bought it on the spot. In 1972, the first Jean Paul Hair Salon was born.
They eventually opened another shop in the DeWitt Clinton Building on State and Eagle Street, or as Simille called it, "the top of downtown Albany." (They ran both for about a year, and then closed the Central Avenue location.) After a local journalist wrote about the "hair stylists with the funny voices" everyone suddenly wanted their hair cut by the trendy Frenchmen from New York City. Jean Paul now was a famous name in the Capital Region.
In 1986, they closed this location and relocated for a third time to Stuyvesant Plaza. Four years later, Simille entered the spa business by opening a second location in the plaza - Jean Paul Day Spa.
He credits Elizabeth Arden for being the real pioneer of day spas and said the concept was something he felt he should pursue. "It was a natural next step."
With years running successful hair salons, he soon found out that running a spa is significantly different, not to mention not as profitable as a salon.
Where a hair salon is comprised of a row of chairs, a spa requires a lot more attention. "Everything is done in individual rooms. There is more intimacy and privacy. A salon is very upbeat, whereas a spa is more tranquil."
Though he offers dozens of spa services--body treatments, nail services, tanning and hair services - the facials, massages and waxing are the most popular.
A business runs smoothly with a defined management structure, and the salon and spa have both. Last year, Simille hired long-time trusted friend Michael Mande as the managing director of Jean Paul.
He also credits his staff for being the backbone of his company. They are his front line who deal with customers and present the Jean Paul image. He holds regular staff meetings and is in constant communication with them to ensure everyone is on the same page.
What makes him different?
Simille feels his success is a combination of his French background, his NYC experience and being in-tune with his customers.
"We pay constant attention to customers and constantly examine and reinvent ourselves," he said. "We pay attention to presentation and make sure it's friendly, welcoming and professional."
He redecorates every five years, hires and trains the top talent available and constantly keeps up with trends. His stylists are often sent to Paris, New York City and California for further education. He also sets himself apart from competitors by carrying the exclusive product lines of Oribe and Kiehls and is one of two salons in the area to carry Kerastase.
Another big part of his success can be summed up in one word: location. He believes that Stuyvesant Plaza is the best spot for his type of business. "It is well maintained with high-end stores where people expect the best and we can provide that," he said.
Even though the salon industry is a nearly $60 billion business, Simille will be the first to tell you that though it's great to be your own boss, it also takes a lot of hard work to reach his level of success.
"To be a successful business owner, you need to work twice as hard. You have to have to have dreams, a vision and goals.
But, most important to Simille are his clients. "We want our clients looking good, but feeling great."
For more information visit www.jeanpaulspa.com.

Theatres

Albany Civic Theater
235 Second Avenue, Albany
462.1297; www.albanycivictheater.org
March 1
A Man for All Seasons - by Robert Bolt. This play won multiple Tony awards and a Theater World award when first produced on Broadway in 1962.
May 1-3, 8-10, 15-17
The Hot L Baltimore- by Lanford Wilson.  The winner of a New York Drama Circle Award, an Obie Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award.

Schenectady Light Opera Company
826 State Street, Schenectady
877.350.7378; www.sloctheater.org
March 6-8 & 12-15
Assassins - Take a rollercoaster ride in which assassins and would-be assassins from different historical periods, meet, interact and inspire each other to harrowing acts in the name of the American Dream. Adults $22; children $12.  Thursday-Saturday 8pm; Sunday 2pm.
May 1-3 & 7-10
The Scarlet Pimpernel - An action/adventure show based on Baroness Orczy's famous 20th century novel about the French Revolution.  The book and lyrics are at times funny and at others horrifying, while the music is moving and passionate. Adults $22; children $12. Thursday-Saturday 8pm; Sunday 2pm.

Old Songs, Inc. • 37 South Main Street, Voorheesville • 765.2815; www.oldsongs.org
March 12
Liadan - Traditional Irish music and Irish song forms a unique blend of old and new.  Adults $20; children 12 and under $5. 8pm.
March 28
Groovemama - When veteran dance, concert and teaching musicians, Groovemama take the stage; their groove-driven music of three fiddles, three banjos and four-part harmony can raise the roof without even trying. Adults $17; children 12 and under $5. 8pm.
April 18
Emma's Revolution - Duo of award-winning activist musicians. Adults $20; children under 12 $5.  8pm. 
May 1
Joel Mabus - a maverick in the folk music world. Adults $17; children under 12 $5. 8pm

Ghent Playhouse
Off Route 66, Ghent
392.6264; www.ghentplayhouse.org
March 20 - April 5
Dancing at Lughnasa - A hauntingly beautiful memory play which recalls the joys, sorrows, loves and valor of an Irish family's hardscrabble life. $15; $12 for members.  Fridays & Saturdays 8pm; Sundays 2pm.
May 15 - May 31
Enchanted April - "To those who appreciate wisteria and sunshine."  With those words, events are set in motion that will forever change the grey, rain-sodden lives of four post-World War I English women. $15; $12 for members. 

Home Made Theater
Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs
587.4427; www.homemadetheater.org
April 17-May 3
Enchanted April - Imagine a spring in the 1920s. Imagine the lure of a month in an Italian villa. At the villa you meet four colorful London women who escape for a holiday, and though they begin as strangers, they soon begin to discover themselves and each other in their idyllic setting. $21/$24.

Palace Theatre • 19 Clinton Avenue, Albany
465.3333; www.palacealbany.com

March 5
Luis Bravo's Forever Tango - $25-$49. 7:30pm.
March 8
ASO Sunday Symphony: Gotta Dance- Adult $18; children 12 and under $9. 3pm.
March 12
Brian Regan: Comedian - $37.50. 7:30pm.
March 19
Rockin' for Hunger 2009 with Jovi - $17. 7:30pm.
April 5
The Russian American Kids Circus - Adult $25; children under 12 $12.50. 3pm.
April 18
Albany Symphony Orchestra: Memories From Childhood - $25-$49. 7:30pm.
April 23
The Doobie Brothers - $39.50-$59.50. 7:30pm.
May 1
The Sing-Along Sound of Music: Movie Event, sing-along, and a fancy dress competition. Win prizes and get a free goody bag. Adults $25; children under 12 $12.50.  7pm. 
May 9
Albany Symphony Orchestra: 100 Voices- $25-$49; children under 12 $15. 7:30pm.
May 12
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater - $55-$100. 7:30pm.
Movies
Adults $5, children under 12 $3; 7pm
March 9 - The Quiet Man
March 23 - Harold and Maude
April 13 - Ben-Hur: Movie Event
April 20 - A Place in the Sun
May 4 - Shane
May 18 - Sunset Boulevard

Cohoes Music Hall
58 Remsen Street, Cohoes
237.5858; www.cohoesmusichall.com
April 3-19
Dracula - $23-$32; premium orchestra seating $40. Thursday-Saturday 8pm; Saturday &  Sunday 3pm.
May 15-31
Mel Brooks' The Producers - $23-$32; premium orchestra seating $40. Thursday-Saturday 8pm; Saturday & Sunday matinees 3pm.

Circle Theatre Players
March 13-15 & 20-22
A Night at the Abbey - Laughter, love & loss, a look into Ireland's soul. $16. March 13, 14, 20, 21 8pm; March 15, 21, 22 2:30pm. 
May 8-10 & 15-17
Smoke on the Mountain - Totally beguiling, wildly funny this charming celebration of Americana is a magnificent blend of story and song. $19. May 8, 9, 15, 16 8pm; May 10, 16, 17 2:30pm.

Proctor's Theatre
432 State Street, Schenectady
346.6204; www.proctors.org
March 3-8
Late Night Catechism - $40.
March 4
School Days - CSI: Live! Group adult/child: $7/$6; individual adult/child: $9/$8. Grades 4-12.
March 4
Family Series - Mad Science presents: CSI: Live! $9. 7pm.
March 5
Drumline Live - $20-$46.  8pm.
March 6-8
Theatresports - $15.
March 6
Celtic Women - The Isle of Hope. $37.75-$67.75. 8pm.
March 7
Time for Three - $20-$32. 8pm.
March 10-15
The Rat Pack - Live at the Sands
March 15 & 16
Global Cinema Opera Series - Rigoletto- $20.
March 18
School Days- National Acrobats of China - Group adult/child: $7/$6; individual adult/child: $9/$8. 10am. All grades.
March 18
The National Acrobats of China - $20-$35. 7pm.
March 21
8th Step: Dave Rowe Trio - $21. 7:30pm. 
March 21
Craig Ferguson: Date Change - $20-$35. 8pm.
March 22
Schenectady Symphony Orchestra - Dazzling Vocals - 3pm.
March 24
MVP GOLD Organ Concert Series - Featuring Tom Savoy and Byron Nilsson. 12pm.
March 25-27
School Days- House on Mango Street- Group adult/child $9/$8; individual adult/child $11/$10.  10am, grades 9-12. 
March 28
Story Circle at Proctors - Becky Holder, Jeannine Laverty and Susan Fantl Spivack.  7:30pm.
March 28
Linda Eder- $20-$45. 8pm.
March 29-30
Global Cinema Opera Series - Lady Macbeth of the Mtsenswk District - $20.
April 2
Cherryholmes - $20-$30. 8pm. 
April 3
Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood - $20-$52. 8pm.
April 4
8th Step: John Gorka - $26. 7:30 pm.
April 4
Capitol Steps - $20-$35. 8pm.
April 7
School Days - Blues Journey - Group adult/child $7/$6; individual adult/child $9/$8.  Grades 3-7.
April 9
Blue Note Records 70th Anniversary Tour- $20-$40. 8pm.

April 10 & 11
Sweeney Todd -The Demon Barber of Fleet Street- $20-$55. 
April 14
MVP GOLD Organ Concert Series - Featuring Al Moser and Ed Goodmote. Free.  12pm.
April 16
Brad Garrett- $20-$60.  8pm.
April 17-19
Spontaneous Broadway - $15. 
April 18
Swan Lake - The Russian National Ballet Theatre- $20-$36. 8pm.
April 19
Family Series - Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters- $9. 2pm.
April 23
School Days-Kite Runner - Group adult/child $9/$8; individual adult/child $11/$10.  10am, grades 9-12.
April 24-26
Spontaneous Broadway -$15. 
April 25
8th Step: Susan Werner - $26. 7:30pm.
April 25
60's Spectacular- $34.75-$49.75.  7:30pm.
April 26
Schenectady Symphony Orchestra - 3pm.

New York State Theatre Institute
Schacht Fine Arts Center, Russell Sage College, Troy • 274. 3200; www.nysti.org
March 13-26
Yours, Anne - While faithful to its acclaimed source material, this timeless story is enhanced by a moving and lyrical score.  Anne Frank's heartbreaking and uplifting diary remains a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. Recommended for grade 5 and up.
April 24-May 3
"The Philadelphia Story"- On the eve of her wedding, the lovely but spoiled Tracy Lord juggles the attentions of (and her attraction to) not one, not two, but three eligible men at her parents' elegant home outside Philadelphia. Recommended for grades 8+. 
June 3-12
"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"- Charles M. Schulz' lovable loser and the cast of characters in Charlie Brown's world come to life as our hero searches for what it means to be a "good man".  Recommended for grades K+.  

Sand Lake Center for the Arts
Home of Circle Theatre Players
2880 Route 43, Averill Park
674.2007; www.slca-ctp.org
Exhibit
Through March 31
Averill Park Central School District Student Show--Reception is 3/29 2pm-4pm.

Capital Repertory Theatre
11 North Pearl Street, Albany
445.7469 • www.capitalrep.org
March 13-April 5
James Joyce's The Dead - Calle "enchanting by the NY Times
April 24-May 17
Boston Marriage - Contains adult language and subject matter.

The Egg Center for Performing Arts
Empire State Plaza, Albany • 473.1845; www.theegg.org

March 6
Madeleine Peyroux - $29.50. 8pm.
March 8
SF Jazz Collective - $28. 7pm.
March 12
George Thorogood & The Destroyers - $39.50-$50. 8pm.
March 14
Flamenco Vivo! Carlota Santana- Part of the Dance the World series. Adults $26; seniors $22; children $13. 8pm. 
March 15
The Peking Acrobats - Adults $18; seniors $15; children $10. 3pm. 
March 21
Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny- Adults $18; seniors $15; children $12. 3pm.
March 28
Ballet Hispanico with the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra - Featuring Arturo O'Farrill. Part of the Jazz Dance New York and Chicago series. Adults $28; seniors $24; children $14.  8pm.
April 4
The Flatlanders - $29.50. 8pm.
April 5
Cinderella - New York Theatre Ballet. Adults $22; seniors $18; children $11. 3pm.
April 11
Savion Glover with the Albany Symphony- Part of the Jazz Dance New York and Chicago series. Adults $38; seniors $34; children $19. 8pm.
April 15
Los Lobos - $29.50. 7:30pm.
April 18
Stephen Lynch - $29.50. 8pm.
April 19
Nederlands Dans Theatre II- Part of Dance the World series. Adults $28; seniors $24; children $14. 7pm.
April 21
Colin Hay- $24. 7:30pm.
April 25
Mark O'Connor - The American String Celebration. Adults $28; children $14. 7:30pm.
April 26
Buckets & Tap Shoes - Adults $20; seniors $16; children $10. 3pm.
April 30
Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago - Part of the Jazz Dance New York and Chicago series.  Adults $24; seniors $20; children $12. 7:30pm. 
May 9
Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company - Part of the Jazz Dance New York and Chicago series.  Adults $24; seniors $20; children $12. 8pm.
May 15
The David Bromberg Big Band, Angel Band - $29.50. 8pm.
May 16
Natalie MacMaster - $28. 7:30pm.

Union College • 807 Union Street, Schenectady • 388.6118; www.union.edu
March 6
Chamber Concert Series - 8pm. Memorial Chapel.
April 3, 15, 17, 29
Chamber Concert Series - 8pm. Memorial Chapel.

Hudson Opera House
327 Warren Street, Hudson
822.1438; www.hudsonoperahouse.org
Through March 28
Marking Time, Artists from the NYFA Mark Program - Hudson Opera House and the Columbia County Council on the Arts present a group exhibition of the Hudson Valley artists from the 2008 NYFA Mark Program. Working in wide range of media and styles, 12 artists reflect on the idea of time and how its passage manifests itself in their work.  There will be an opportunity to meet and speak with the artists on March 7, 4:30pm-6:30pm. 
March 14
Brahms' Liebeslieder Waltzes, Op. 52.- The season ends with this heavenly songs cycle, sung by a quartet including Diamond Opera Theatre Artistic Directors Mary Deverle Hack and Keith Spencer, accompanied by two pianists. Winter doldrums will melt away, and we'll all be ready to greet the spring in high spirits. 4pm.
March 25-28
Writing Workshop on Creative Writing for Narrative Prose with Laurie Stone - Author Laurie Stone will offer this workshop to help accomplished and aspiring writers. $175; members $150. 12pm-3pm. Space is limited, call to register.  

Lake George Arts Project's Courthouse Gallery • 1 Amherst Street, Lake George
668.2616; www.lakegeorgearts.org
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 12pm-5pm;
Saturday 12pm-4pm (during exhibitions); all other times by request.
March 14-April 17
Matthew Hamilton
May 9-June 12
Kathy Greenwood
July 11-August 14
Zoo II (Animals in art) - Featuring Patricia Bellan-Gillen, Jason Bronner, Deborah Brown, Catherine Chalmers, Reet Das, Catherine Hamilton, David Isele, Andrew Johnson, Mary Kenny, Ann Lovett, Barbara Moody, Adelaide Paul, Michael Pestel and Amy Ross.

The Colonial Theatre
111 South Street, Pittsfield MA
413.997.4444; www.thecolonialtheatre.org
March 8
A Celebration of Music - Presented by Westfield State College. Free. 3:30pm.
March 11
National Acrobats of China - The most acclaimed large acrobatic troupe in the world features 35 performers who captivate audiences around the globe with stunning displays of Chinese martial arts, illusion and acrobatics.  $25; $40. 7:30pm.
March 14
Revolution: A Tribute to the Beatles -  $25; $35. 8pm.
March 16 & 17
Footloose! $25; $45. 7:30pm.
March 20
Celtic Crossroads -  $25; $40. 8pm.
March 21
Trout Fishing in America and Patty Larkin - The four-time Grammy nominated duo of guitarist Ezra Idlet and bassist Keith Grimwood.  $15; $25. 7pm.
March 26
Bela Fleck -  $25; $35. 7:30pm.
April 3
Inca Son: Music and Dance of the Andes - An internationally-renowned Peruvian music and dance ensemble. $25; $35. 8pm.
April 5
Charlottes Web - $10. 2pm & 4pm.
April 14
Mother Load - $20; $30. 7:30pm.
April 18
The Machine Performs Pink Floyd - $25; $40. 8pm.
April 21
Ani DiFranco -  $35; $44. 7:30pm.
May 2
Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater Co. - For ages 5+. $15.  2pm & 7pm.
May 16
Studio One Dancers in Concert - $17. 4pm.
May 20
Dickey Betts and Great Southern -  $30; $47. 7:30pm.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
Second & State Street, Troy
273.0038; www.troymusichall.org
March 7
Celebrate the Hall - 29th Annual Gala - $125.  8pm.
March 10
Music at Noon - Michael Benedict Jazz Vibes- Free.  12pm.
March 15
Troy Chromatic Concerts - Phoenix Bach Choir & Kansas City Chorale- $40/$45.  3pm.
March 22
ESYO Spring 2009 Concert-3pm.
March 28
Albany Pro Musica - The Great Choral Tradition-Adults $25/$28; seniors $23/$25; students $10.  8pm.
April 5
An Irish Homecoming - Adults $29/$32; students $15. 7pm.
April 14
Music at Noon - Rick Hill - Free. 12pm.
April 18
Kathy Mattea: Moving Mountains- $27/$30.  8pm.
April 19
Troy Chromatic Concerts - Burning River Brass- $35/$40. 3pm.
April 23
Herb Alpert and Lani Hall - $29-$55. 8pm.
April 26
Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra - 3pm.
May 12
Music at Noon - Findlay Cockrell - Free. 12pm

The Mop & Bucket Company • 8A Surfwood Drive, Albany • 577.MPCO (6726) • www.mopco.org
March 6-8
Theatresports - Combines all the fun and creativity of improv with the excitement of a sporting event. Teams of improvisers compete for your approval by making up scenes, songs and stories based on your suggestions. The winner gets $700 billion or a funky trophy, whichever taxes the American public less. Don't miss this highly acclaimed world-wide improve phenomenon, created by Keith Johnstone. $15. Friday & Saturday 9pm; Sunday 2pm. Call for reservations. Upstairs at Proctors, 440 State Street, Schenectady.  For more info: 346.6204
March 26
Impov Jam: Free. 8pm. Muddy Cup, Proctors, Schenectady.
April 17-19 & 24-26
Spontaneous Broadway - Spontaneous Broadway is a virtuoso evening of musical improvs. The audience submits titles of "songs that have never been written." In a fictional "backer's audition", these titles inspire improvised songs in act one. In act two, the audience's favorite song serves as the basis of an entire 45 minute Broadway musical, complete with costumes and set. Call for reservations. Upstairs at Proctors, Schenectady. For more info: 346.6204.
April 23
Improv Jam: Free. 8pm. Muddy Cup, Proctors, Schenectady.

Colonial Little Theatre, Inc.
One Colonial Court, Johnstown
762.4325; www.coloniallittletheatre.org
April 3-5 & 10-12
Almost Heaven: John Denver's America - A musical biography, explores the life and music of the late John Denver.
June 5-7 & 10-12
Bus Stop - during a howling snowstorm, a bus full of travelers seek refuge at a roadside diner. 

The Performing Arts Center at the University at Albany
1400 Washington Avenue, Albany
442.3997; www.albany.edu/pac
March 5
Sarah and Susan Wang - $10; students $5. 7pm. Recital Hall
March 6-8, 11-14
Antigone - $12. March 6&7 8pm; March 8 2pm; March 11-13 8pm; March 14 2pm.
March 11
Frank Glazer's Carnegie Hall Anniversary - $10; students $5. 7pm. Recital Hall.
March 13
Two Piano Concert - $10; students $5. 7pm. Recital Hall.
March 16
Festival of Contemporary Music - $8; students $4. 8pm. Main Theatre.
March 20
Student Recital - Free. 6:30pm. Recital Hall.
April 1
Cesar Reyes- $10; students $5.  7pm. Recital Hall.
April 3
The Marriage of Figaro - $10; students $5.  7:30pm. Recital Hall.
April 16
Music for Piano and Violin - $10; students $5. 7:30pm. Recital Hall.
April 19
Senior Recital- Free. 7pm.  Recital Hall.
April 23
Spring Choral Concert - $8; students $4.  7pm.  Main Theatre
April 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, May 1&2
Jesus Hopped the A Train-$12.
April 25
Kevin Champagne's Piano Quartet- $10; students $5. 7pm. Recital Hall.
April 29
Capital Trio - $10; students $5. 7pm. Recital Hall.
May 4
The Sound of the Trumpets, the Roll of the Drums!  $8; students $4. 8pm. Main Theatre.
May 9
Senior Recital - Free. 7pm. Recital Hall.

Galleries

Albany International Airport Gallery
737 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany (third floor)
242.2241
Hours: 7am-11pm daily
Free and open to the public
Through March 29
A Remarkable Past - In celebration of the arts & culture program's own historic achievement a decade of presenting public art we have amassed a group of extraordinary artifacts from 25 area museums whose preservation and interpretation of the past is vital to our understanding of the world in which we live. 
On-going exhibits
Ginger Ertz' Soft Chandelier - Adds elegance, humor and surprise to this two story stairwell. While an ornamental chandelier might be traditionally placed in such a location, there is something about the fuzzy surface created by the chenille stems that evokes a sense of playfulness. In addition to having a chandelier-like appearance it also brings to simple organisms like undersea creatures, a theme that is repeated often in Ertz' work. Located in the stairwell to the third floor gallery. 

Jeanne Flanagan - Through drawing and painting within the privacy of a studio, Flanagan explores ideas in a fluid, relatively spontaneous manner. These works on paper are often the catalysts for carefully planned, laboriously crafted, large-scale outdoor public sculptures. Located on the second floor, concourse B. 

Dean Snyder - His large and looming piece, Lubber, a sphere of laminated cedar veneer punctuated with hand-wrought iron rings, sits as a sentinel to the concourse. Lubber's title refers to a person that is out of sync with his environment, commonly known in the nautical expression, "land-lubber", a person not acclimated to seafaring. Located on the second floor, concourse B.

Four Triangles Hanging - This exhibit was created by artist George Rickey who was one of the world's foremost kinetic sculptors. His work consists of tenuously balanced geometric steel constructions which combine linear elements and geometric forms, moved by air currents and gravity. Located on the second floor, concourse B.

Albany Center Gallery
39 Columbia Street, Albany.
462.4775; www.albanycentergallery.org
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-5pm; or by appointment.
Through March 28
ARiTmetic - A group exhibit. ARiTmetic blurs the line between mathematics and visual art and features the work of William Bergman, Beninga Chilla, Nat Friedman and Maria Hall.  The opening reception will be held March 6 5pm-9pm.

Upstate Artists Guild
247 Lark Street, Albany
462.3501; www.upstateartistsguild.org
Hours: Thursday & Friday 5:30pm-8pm; Saturday 2pm-8pm; Sunday 2pm-6pm
March 6-27
Issues - Featuring works dealing with issues large and small, with featured artist Joe Ulrich and Kim Waldie.
April 3-24
Loose Threads - A national show of textiles and fiber arts, with featured artists Diane Evans and Diane Segal.
May 1-22
Grand Tour - A show about transportation and travel, with featured artist Jason Bryer and bike art from Down Tube.
June 5-26
The 2009 People's Choice Show - Featured works by local students.
July 3-24
Off the Wall - A show of 3D and sculptural works, with featured artists Steven Rolf Kroeger and Matt Ramsey.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center
108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga
584.9330; www.spac.org
May 23
Boys & Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble- Spa Little Theatre, 19 Roosevelt Drive.  $25.  8pm.
May 29
Rachael Price and the Rachael Price Trio - Spa Little Theatre, 19 Roosevelt Drive. $25.  8pm.
May 30
Arturo O'Farrill Orchestra - Spa Little Theatre, 19 Roosevelt Drive. $25. 8pm.
June 27 & 28
Freihofer's Jazz Festival - 12pm.

Nicole Fiacco/Modo Gallery
336 Warren Street, Hudson
828.5090; www.modogallery.com
Hours: Thursday-Monday 11am-6pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm.  Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Exhibits
March 7-April 11
John Banach (paintings) and John Cleater (sculptures.)
April 18-May 23
Upstate: A four person exhibition showing artists who live and work in the area, but whose work is largely unknown in the area.

The Arts Center of the Capital Region
265 River Street, Troy
273.0552; www.artscenteronline.org
March 28
Richard Lainhart: Improvised Works - Award-winning electronic music composer and filmmaker, Richard Lainhart presents an evening of improvised works in quad-sound on the Bulcha synthesizer. $12; members $10. 8pm.
April 4
Write Here! A Collaboration with Hudson Valley Writer's Guild- Join us for a panel discussion and Resource Fair that will highlight the extensive writing resources available in the Capital District. A great chance to network with writers and small publishers. $5.  9:30am-12pm.
April 4
The Ephemera Design Firm - Introduced by Michael Farley; incorporates sampling techniques with melodic, instrumental post-rock, adding a prominent role for electric guitar.  The Ephemera Design Firm sets samples of Medieval and Renaissance music to house beats. $8; $5 members. 8pm.
May 16
The Ramblin Jug Stompers: The Premiere Jug band of New York's Capital Region - The Stompers ramblin' style nods to the great tradition of American string band music while winking directly at the classic jug bands of the '60's folk scene. $12; $10 members. 8pm.

The Clement Art Gallery
201 Broadway (at Monument Square,) Troy
272.6811; www.clementart.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm; Friday 10am-7pm; Saturday 10am-4pm; Closed Sundays. 
Through March 25
On the Surface - Drawings - Group exhibition
March 27-April 22
John Hampshire
April 24-May 27
Banjie Getsinger Nicholas

Museums

The Farmer's Museum
5775 State Hwy 80, Cooperstown
607.547.1450; www.farmersmuseum.org
Hours: April 1-May 12 Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm; May 13-October 13 daily 10am-5pm.
Admission: April 1-May 12 Adults $9; Seniors $8; Children 7-12 $4; under 7 free.  May 13-Ocobter 13 Adults $11; Seniors $9.50; Children 7-12 $5; under 7 free.
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sugaring Off Sundays - Reservations are required. 
March 28 & April 18
Evening at the Tavern -  The menu is designed and based on foods that were served in rural 19th century New York taverns. $60 non-members. $55 members.

Fenimore Museum
5798 State Hwy 80, Cooperstown
607.547.1400; www.fenimoreartmuseum.org
Hours: April 1- May 12 Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm; May 13-October 13 daily 10am-5pm.
Admission: Adults $11; seniors $9.50; children 7-12 $5; under 7 free.
May 23- December 32
America's Rome: Artists in the Eternal City (1800-1900) - This exhibition is American artists' depictions of 19th century Rome.
April 1- December 31
New Additions/New Perspectives: American Indian Art - Features many works by contemporary American Indian artists and exemplifies the varied artistic output of vibrant communities.

The Clark
225 South Street, Williamstown, MA
413.458.2303; www.clarkart.edu
Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm; closed Monday.
Admission: Free November 1-May 31; June 1-October 31. Adults $12.50; free to children under 18 and full-time students with ID.
Through April 19
Special Installation: Women's Work - In conjunction with the Berkshires, recognition of International Women's Day (March 8) and its 2009 theme, "The Power of Women in the Arts," the Clark will celebrate the achievements of women artists with an installation of select works on paper from the collection.
Through April 26
Toulouse-Lautrec and Paris - Take a visual promenade through the spectacle of late 19th century Paris as seen through the eyes of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and his contemporaries. 
Starting June 7
Dove/O'Keefe: Circles of Influence -Dove/O'Keefe is the first exhibition to explore Dove's role in O'Keefe's early artistic development as well as O'Keefe's influence on his work.

The Hyde Collection
161 Warren Street, Glens Falls
792.1761
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm; Monday and all national holidays closed. 
Admission: Free, but donations are appreciated. 
February 8-April 19
Thomas Chambers (1808-1869) - American marine and landscape painter. This exhibit will feature around 60 works, borrowed from public and private collections throughout the United States. 
February 28-May 25
Old Master Prints from the Sparling Family Collection - The exhibit features prints which consist of engravings, woodcuts, and etchings that survey the major printmaking styles and techniques from the 15th to 18th centuries in Northern and Southern Europe. 
July 12-October 18
Degas and Music - This exhibition will bring together works that reflect the French Impressionist's fascination with music, including portraits of musician friends, dramatic images of cabaret singers, and stunning scenes of the music-filled world of the ballet.

The Children's Museum at Saratoga
69 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs
584.5540; www.cmssny.org
Hours: July 1-Labor Day: Monday-Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm; Labor Day-June: Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm; Sunday 12pm-4:30pm.
Admission: $5; children under 1 are free.
March 5 &19
Little Scientist - Hands-on, self-directed activities to help our visitors explore the world around them. Ask questions, manipulate items, try experiments, read about it and make new discoveries! 1:30pm-2:30pm.
March 6 & 20
Wiggle & Giggle - We'll make and move to music. Learn some simple finger plays. 10am-10:45am.
March 12 & 27
Stuffee & Stories - All ages welcome, visit and enjoy a story with Stuffee, the Museum's tallest stuffed friend. The stories will explore healthy eating and exercise. 10am-10:45

New York State Museum • Madison Avenue, Albany (Empire State Plaza)
474.5877; www.nysm.nysed.gov
Hours: Open daily 9:30am-5pm.
Admission: Free. Donations accepted at the door.

Exhibits
April 15-March 15
Invaders - Learn about what could be living right in your backyard and what you can do about them. Crossroads Gallery.
October 3-May 1
Breeding Bird Atlas: 20 Years of Changing Bird Distributions - The exhibition includes original artwork from the book, bird mounts, and stories of how the Atlas fieldwork was accomplished. Photography Gallery.
November 22-May 17
Rockwell Kent: This Is My Own - This exhibition includes materials from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh that chronicles the life of a great New Yorker (Rockwell Kent) and his work, which was born out of both remarkable personal experiences and a deep sense of moral and political principle. West Gallery.

Ongoing Exhibits
Adirondack Wilderness - The drama of the Adirondacks is told through three topics- prehistoric wilderness landscape, wilderness in transition, and contemporary wilderness.

Art for the People: Decorated Stoneware From the Weitsman Collection -  The designs on the 19th century stoneware are considered to be prime examples of American Folk Art. New York Metropolis Hall.

Black Capital: Harlem in the 20s - Learn about the rich and diverse culture of Harlem in the 1920s through historic photographs, archival material, audio and visual components, artifacts and other items. New York Metropolis Hall.

The Governor's Collection of Contemporary Native American Crafts -  The collection reflects the broad range of artwork from Native artists from functional to unique and decorative, and from traditional to modern in style and technique.

The World Trade Center: Rescue Recover Response - Details the history of the World Trade Center, the September 11 attacks, the rescue efforts, the evidence recovery operation at the Fresh Kills facility, and the public response to the September 11th events.­­

Bennington Museum
75 Main Street, Bennington, VT
802.447.1571; www.benningtonmuseum.org
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm; Closed Wednesdays.
Admission: Adults $9; students and seniors $8; children under 18 free.
Through March 29
Bennington Collects III - A community-based exhibition with an eclectic mix that might make you think about what it is you have been collecting.
March 14- May 17
Tradition, Innovation, and Good Design: The Ceram - This exhibition will be the first major retrospective of Gil's work showing the variety of ceramic products designed by Gil and produced by Bennington Potters over a period of more than 50 years.

Events
March 6
Club Muse: Irish Pub Party - See the museum converted into an Irish pub with live music, Guinness-glazed wings and Irish beer from Pangaea Lounge and lots of good cheer. 8pm-11pm.  $5.
March 19
Historical Society Lecture: Tony Marro - He will present the photography of Mary Sanford, a prominent social activist and early Bennington photographer. 7pm. Free.
March 28
4th Annual Appraisal Fair - Bring family heirlooms or the odd, quirky piece you have always wanted to know about. 1pm. $5 per item with a limit of 5 items.

Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium
15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady
382.7890; www.schenectadymuseum.org
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm.

Exhibits
Through April 18
Views of Space - Explore changing views of the solar system and universe through photography, multimedia displays, hands-on activities, and items from the Museum's collection.
May 1-28
Invention Convention 2009 - Enjoy the 12th anniversary of the Invention Convention exhibit, a statewide invention competition open to the Capital District students in grades K-8.

Events
April 4
Wind and Solar Power Interactives - Explore the importance of renewable energy and reducing fossil fuel consumption. 

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
25 Main St., Cooperstown
888.HALL.OF.FAME; www.baseballhalloffame.org
Hours: Labor Day through Memorial Day: 9am-5pm; Summer hours 9am-9pm.
Admission: Adults $16.50; seniors and veterans $11; children 7-12 $6; members and children 6 and under free.

Exhibits
Opens April 25
Hank Aaron - This exhibit will chronicle Aaron's life, from childhood through his big league career and post-baseball career, including his vast philanthropic efforts.
Memorial Day Weekend
Viva Beisbol - An exhibit dedicated to the contributions of Latin American players to our National Pastime.

Programs
March 28th
Women's History Month - call for tickets.

Albany Institute of History and Art
125 Washington Avenue, Albany
463.4478; www.albanyinstitue.org
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm; Tuesday pre-registered groups only; Monday and major holidays closed. 
Admission: Adults $10; seniors and students with ID $8; children 6-12 $6; children under 6 free. 

Ongoing exhibits
Entry Point Gallery - Recently reinstalled with new objects from its collection which will continue to support the Albany Institute of History and Art's mission of collecting, preserving, interpreting and promoting interest in the history, art and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley.

19th Century American Sculpture - Erastus Dow Palmer, Launt Thompson, Charles Calverley. This exhibition features 20 plaster, marble and bronze sculptures and framed bas-reliefs. 

Sense of Place - 18th and 19th century paintings and sculptures.  

Ancient Egypt - This gallery features the Albany Institute's mummies and loan objects from major national museums.

Traders and Culture - This exhibition explores the settlement and growth of Albany as an urban center during the 17th & 18th centuries. 

The Landscape That Defined America - The Hudson River School. The gallery that holds Albany Institute's finest Hudson River School paintings.

Exhibits Through January 4
Hudson River Panorama - 400 years of history, art, and culture, which commemorates the remarkable narratives of the Hudson River and the people, events and ideas that have shaped its history.

The Arkell Museum
2 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie
673.2314; www.arkellmuseum.org
Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday 12:30-5pm.
Admission: Adults $7; seniors and students $5; children age 11 and under free.

Exhibits
Through May 3
Love Story: Selections from the Sanford B. D. Low Memorial Illustration Collection, New Britain Museum of American Art - Includes 60 original works that were used to illustrate romantic fiction from the 1890s-mid-20th century.

Saratoga Automobile Museum
110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga State Park
587.1935; www.saratogaautomuseum.org
Hours: October-May Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm; June-October daily 10am-5pm.
Admission: Adults $8; students 17 and older with ID $5; seniors and active military $5; children 6-16 $3.50; children under 6 free; members free.
Through March 22
All That Glitters -  The automotive age of brass ran from 1890 to 1918. Learn more at the exhibit.  

Norman Rockwell Museum
9 Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge MA
413.298.4100; www.nrm.org
Hours: November-April Weekdays 10am-4pm; Weekends and holidays 10am-5pm; May-October daily 10am-5pm.
Admission: Adults $15; seniors $13.50; college students with ID $10; children 18 and under free.
March 14
Focus on Illustration Flights of Fantasy: Women, Myth, and Image - Discover the fascinating world of fantasy art. Ruth Sanderson, illustrator and author will speak about depictions of women in fairy tales and myths. 1pm-4pm. Free.
Through May 25
Artists in Their Studios - This exhibition offers a unique glimpse at the lives and studio spaces of more than 75 important American artists from the late 19th century to today. 
May 1
A Day in the Life: Norman Rockwell's Stockbridge Studio - In celebration of Norman Rockwell Museum's 40th anniversary.