Capital Region TODAY

Harbinger Theatre
Albany Civic theatre
“Maggie May”
Chris Foster, Director
Melissa Putterman Hoffmann “Maggie May”
Harbinger Theatre will produce impactful Capital Region Premieres by underrepresented playwrights, creating more opportunities for all interested in change.
Maggie May by Frances Poet
Location: Albany Civic Theater
Dates: Sep 8 to sept 22
Ticketed Event
The United States premiere of “Maggie May” by Frances Poet is an extraordinary drama about an ordinary family who must balance the challenges of daily life whilst living with dementia. Maggie and Gordon met 6o years ago dancing and singing to Rod Stewart songs and now the songs are sometimes all she can remember. Albany Civic Theater is proud to team up with Harbinger Theatre to co-produce this glorious play.
A talkback with the director and cast to follow the Sunday, September 15th performance. I Love the 70’s Night with music, games and appetizers from 70s parties. Pig in a blanket anyone?
ACT website: click here www.AlbanyCivicTheater.org
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https://youtu.be/dLQDZQ1d9u4

Maggie May Albany Civic

This week’s show – Topics and Guessts – in order of appearance.
>>> Italian Street Fest – Sept 7 with guest Doreen Ditoro, Pres. Little Italy Business Assn.
>>> Stockade Art Show – Sept 7 with guests Steve Kowalski, Co-Chair Art Show & Colleen Macaulay, Pres. Stockade Assoc.
>>> Artist – Recycling Denim “Love Where You Live” with guest Pauline Saunders, Owner Evadneyline
>>> Harbinger Theatre “Maggie May” - Sept 6 to 22 with guests Chris Foster, Director & Melissa Putterman Hoffmann “Maggie May”
>>> Sch’dy Light Opera “School of Rock” - Sept 13 to 22 with guests Kayla Toney, Director & Brody Shaver “Lawrence”
To watch the show:

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Hudson-Mohawk Theatre Organ Society
Season’s first Concert: Sept 10
Frank Hackert, Chairman
Carl Hackert, Program Director
Free Noontime Organ Concert Series 2024-2025
Proctors GE Theater –
One hour of a variety of music genre played on a large Allen Digital Theatre Organ. The digital sound samples that are reproduced by this instrument are originally derived from the Hollywood Philharmonic Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ. Presently Goldie is under repair and unavailable for many months.
The mission of the national American Theatre Organ Society is the preservation and public presentation of the remaining examples of the theatre pipe organ. Once plentiful in the early 20th century during the era of silent films many are gone today along with the beautiful large movie palaces that housed them. Our chapter (The Hudson-Mohawk Theatre Organ Society) is specifically dedicated to the technical support and public presentation of the Proctors Theatre instrument known as Goldie, a Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ.
FB Hudson Mohawk Chapter American Theatre Organ Society

Hudson Mohawk Theatre Organ Society Hudson-Mohawk Theatre Organ Society (HMTOS) – Sept 10 First ConcertFrank Hackert, Chairman HMTOSCarl Hackert, Program Director HMTOSW

Chinese Community Center
Summer Art Immersion Exhibition
Wei Qin, President
On August 31 from 11 am to 4 pm
Enjoy demonstrations of music, art and even a Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony. Asian Art has been known for its artistic, calm, smoothing feature, have a great benefit for both visual enjoyment and mental healing. Four CCC artists: Anping for Chinese Painting, Richard for calligraphy, Wenrui for Gu Qin (7-string zither) and Wei for Tea Ceremony will bring works from themselves and their students, to enable public to Immerse themselves with Chinese Tea Ceremony experience, Chinese Instrument demo, Calligraphy and Chinese Painting Art work display.
Free Admission for all though donation in any amount will be appreciated.
Learn the story behind the Oldest Known Color Photographs of China… discovered in the Capital Region and returned to China.

Chinese Community Center Chinese Community CenterWei Qin, President

This week’s show – Topics and Guests – in order of appearance:
>>> Sch’dy Schools Hall of Fame Sept 16 with Robert Pezzano, Organizer & James D. Thomas, Jr., 2024 Inductee
>>> Hamilton Hill Arts Center – Culturefest = Aug 17 with Tricia Pedro, Committee member and Janiya Minor, Steel Pan Teacher
>>> Schenectady County Historical Society
African American History Project – Aug 17 with Marietta Carr, Librarian and Amelia Paul, “Deacon Julia Foote”
>>> Hudson-Mohawk Theatre Organ Society (HMTOS) – Sept 10 First Concert with Frank Hackert, Chairman HMTOS and Carl Hackert, Program Director HMTOSW
>>> Chinese Community Center with Wei Qin, President
To watch the show:

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To learn about Northern Rivers and Fostering a child:Northern Rivers Family of Services
Home Finder (Foster Care)
Jenny McMillen, Schenectady
Jolene Olsen, Gloversville
In our role as Foster Care Home Finders, we look to find individuals and families in the community who have the strengths to meet the needs of the children that we have coming into care. We provide information about foster care and the certification process, facilitate needed training, and complete needed clearances, paperwork, and home visits. We attend events in our communities and utilize local partners, to assist in recruitment efforts. There is a large need for foster families
Mission or Purpose: The Foster Family program at Northern Rivers provides foster and pre-adoptive foster homes for children requiring out-of-home placement from birth through age 21. The goal of foster care is to reunify children with their families. We have a team of providers to help work with foster families, children in care, birth families, and other providers.
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Northern Rivers

New York State Museum
Paleontology Dept.
Lisa Amati, PhD, Curator, Paleontologist
Sarita Morse, NYSM Paleontology Tech.
The New York State Museum serves the lifelong educational needs of New Yorkers and visitors through its collections, exhibitions, scholarship, programs, media and publications in science, history, anthropology, and art. The Museum explores and expresses New York State’s significant natural and cultural diversity, past and present.
Facebook: New York State Museum
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New York State Museum New York State MuseumLisa Amati, PhD – NYS Museum PaleontologistSarita Amy Morse, Collections Paleontology

To watch this week’s Capital Region Today with Topics and Guests in the order of their appearances:
>>> Assemblyman Santabarbara – Autism Legislation and upcoming Events Jul 28 & August with Angelo Santabarbara
>>> Northern Rivers (Foster Homes) Home Finders with Jenny McMillen, Schenectady Homefinder and Jolene Olsen, Gloversville Homefinder
>>> Scottish Games – Aug 31 – Altamont with Bill Munro on the Bagpipes
>>> New York State Museum with Lisa Amati, PhD – NYS Museum Paleontologist, Sarita Amy Morse, Collections Paleontology and Richard Lovrich, Armory Studios NY
To watch the show:

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Do you love Theater? check out the line-up from the Bridge Street Theatre in Catskill. Great Productions coming up!

Bridge Street Theatre Bridge Street Theatre (Catskill)10th Anniversary SeasonSteve Patterson, Assoc Artist & DramaturgeJohn Sowle, Artistic and Managing Director

Learn about the new addition to Music Haven. Dinners before events. This one will be on July 21st.

Taste of the World International Center “Taste of the World”Obinna Nwagboso, Owner KEOBI Restaurant on Jul 21. Other dates Aug 4 and Aug 18

Watch Capital Region Today’s show airing this week with the following topics and guests in the order of their appearance:
>>> Music Haven – Sch’dy Central Park Summer Concert Series with Mona Golub, Director
>>> Bridge Street Theatre (Catskill)
10th Anniversary Season with Steve Patterson, Assoc Artist & Dramaturge and
John Sowle, Artistic and Managing Director
>>> International Center “Taste of the World” with Obinna Nwagboso, Owner KEOBI Restaurant Jul 21 dinner at Music Haven
>>> Bunbury Players - “Alice in Wonderland” Jul 12-14 with Garrett West, Director and Rosalyn Annely “Alice”
>>> Empire State Aerosciences Museum (ESAM) -- 40th Anniversary Celebration
Jul 24-28 with Kim Rainey, Armory Studios NY, Dan Wilson, ESAM Board President, Ray Legere, ESAM Board Member and Richard Lovrich, Armory Studios NY
To watch the show:

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Here are this week’s guests in the order of their appearances on the show:
>>> Schenectady Rotary Co****le for a Cause – July 7 with Nicholas Clay, Organizer
>>> Murder Mystery Theater “The Dinner Detective” in Albany with Jen Werner, Cast Member
>>> Summer Lunch Programs Schenectady with Janice Walz, Social Ministry Outreach; Aldo R. Romero, Deputy Dir. Sycamore Collaborative and Chinira Lovich
>>> Mountain Ridge Adventure – Zip Line Park
Schenectady with Michael Cellini, General Manager and
Olivia Cellini, Co-Owner
>>> Adirondack Theatre Festival – Glens Falls with Miriam Weisfeld, Creative Producer
To watch the show:

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Harbinger Theatre's Interview on Capital Region
The Squirrels
Patrick White, Director
Lisa Bryk “Mammalia”
Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm “Sciridae”
Aaliyah Al-Fuhaid, Choreographer
The Squirrels by Robert Askins at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts
6/20 to 6/30 - 7:30 pm and 2 pm matinee on Sunday -- $15
Free Preview 6/20
Winter is on the way and the squirrels are restless. Mistrust is growing between the rich Gray Squirrels and the outcast Fox Squirrels. When a wily outsider gets in the mix, he ignites an epic animal kingdom soap opera teeming with rebel armies, conspiracy, love and family loyalties. No squirrel will go unharmed in this deliciously demented new comedy from Tony Award nominee Robert Askins.
Harbinger Theatre will produce impactful Capital Region Premieres by underrepresented playwrights, creating more opportunities for all interested in change.
FB: Harbinger
Instagram:

Harbinger Theatre “The Squirrels Harbinger Theatre “The Squirrels (6/20 to 6/30)Patrick White, DirectorKerry Kazmierowicztrimm “ClridaeLisa Bryk “MammaliaAaliyah Al-Fuhaid, Choreographer

Learn about Schenectady's Juneteenth Celebration: 24th Juneteenth Celebration
Federal Holiday
June 21-22 Events
Miki Conn, Co-Chair
Betty Harper, Co-Chair
Walter Simpkins, Chair Ancestor Program
Darrell Michael, “Hair Show Host”
Friday at Vale Cemetery (6-8 pm)
Sat. at Central Park (1-8 pm)
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It became a New York State holiday in 2020 and national holiday in 2023. The Hamilton Hill Arts Center introduced the celebration of Juneteenth in the Capital District 23 years ago and the celebration has grown with each passing year.
This year there will be an art Tent show, a parade, African Dance and Drumming on the stage plus a drumming workshop, and a Hip Hop hour.
Still is room for vendors of all kinds including food, crafts and information.
These events are free to attend

Juneteenth 2024 Celebration Juneteenth 2024 Celebration (6/21 – 6/22)Darrell Michael “Hair Show Host”Miki Conn, Co-ChairBetty Harper, Co-ChairWalter Simpkins, Chair of Ancestor Program

Watch this week’s show with these wonderful topics and guests (in order of appearance):
>>> Harbinger Theatre “The Squirrels (6/20 to 6/30) with Patrick White, Director; Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm “Clridae”; Lisa Bryk “Mammalia” and Aaliyah Al-Fuhaid, Choreographer
>>> Community Clothing Drive/ Fashion Waste & Clothing Insecurity (6/15 & 6/22) with Jasneya McCauley, StyldnEMRGD and Khila Percoraro, Sch’dy County Recycles
>>> Juneteenth 2024 Celebration (6/21 – 6/22) – with Miki Conn, Co-Chair; Betty Harper, Co-Chair; Walter Simpkins, Chair of Ancestor Program and Darrell Michael “Hair Show Host”
>>> Home Made Theater – Secret Garden (6/7 – 6/16) with Eric Rudy, Exec. & Artistic Dir.
>>> Opera Saratoga – Jun 9 Gala at Canfield Casino
Guys and Dolls (6/29-7/7) with Nicoletta Berry, Soprano and Laurie Rogers, Head of Music Staff, Dir, of Festival Artists Program
To watch the show:

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To watch this week’s show with the following guests, in the order of their appearance:
>>> Memorial Day Observance Schenectady with guests: Jesus M. Santiago, Veterans Service Officer, Bill Frank, Retired VSO and George Sykala, Polish Veterans
>>> National Veterans Creative Arts Festival 2024 with guests: Don Hyman, USAF Veteran, Rachelle Vishneowski, NYCAF Team Leader and Victor Reiner, US Army Veteran
>>> Jazz on Jay – Summer Concert Series with guest: Lanaea Brice, Committee Chair (ElectriCity Arts and Entertainment District)
>>> Kids Arts Festival – June 1 Schenectady with guests: Betsy Sandberg, Committee Chair (ElectriCity Arts & Entertainment District), Bonnie Johnsen, Co-Owner of The Costumer and Matt Saleh, Presenter, “Songwriting for All Ages”
>>> Sch’dy Pride Festival – June 1 with guests: Andrew Elder, Photographer at Best Frame Forward and Zeta Klemmer, Social Media Coordinator
To watch, click here:

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The Amsterdam Oratorio is now available digitally on most music platforms.... learn about it from the composer here:

The Amsterdam Oratorio Amsterdam OratorioMaria Riccio Bryce, Composer

Watch this week’s show with the following guests in the order of their appearances:
>>> Landis Arboretum (Plant Sale May 18-19) with Fred Breglia, (Certified Arborist)
>>> Capital Repertory Theater (The Rep)
Next Act with Margaret E. Hall, Assoc. Artistic Director
>>> Albany Medical Center – Center for Excellence Alzheimer’s Disease with Melissa Blok, LMSW, Case Manager
>>> Spina Bifida Assn. NYS Walk—n-Roll – Central Park with Kathleen Watt & Judy Fillmore, Volunteer
>>> The Amsterdam Oratorio with Maria Riccio Bryce, Composer
To watch the show:

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Guest interview: Joan Nicole Prince Home in Scotia with Toni Warren, Exec. Dir.

Joan Nicole Price Home Joan Nicole Price HomeToni Warren, Exec. Director

Watch this week’s Capital Region Today TV show with th3e following guests, in order of appearance.
>>> Schenectady Civic Players “Play it Again Sam” May 10-19 with Evan Jones, Director; Ryan Palmer “Allen” and Alexandra Doggette “Linda”
>>> Joan Nicole Price Home with Toni Warren, Exec. Director
>>> Reading is Fun! – Scrabble-Rama Fundraiser With Al Magid, PhD
>>> Musicians of Ma’alwyck – May 5 “Forbidden Music Regained” with Ann-Marie Schwartz, Artistic Director
>>> Author & Motivational Speaker Shana Gourdine
To watch the show:

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Jajjas Kids
Raising Hope with Education
Diane Renier, Exec. Dir.
Connie Frisbee Houde, Board President
Event: Sun. Apr 21 from 2-7 pm
Revolution Hall, 425 River St Troy
The event is to raise money supporting education for former street children in Kampala, Uganda. It will include a buffet lunch, African drumming and dance with musician Jordan Taylor Hill, artwork by Jajja’s Kids, Ugandan crafts for sale and recent photos and updates on the students who live at the Jajja’s Kids home. Celebrity auctioneer LeGrande Serras will lead a live auction.
Jajja’s Kids creates possibilities for former street children in Uganda. We provide a safe and loving home for 18 children along with adequate food, shelter, education, and medical care. The goal is to help the children elevate themselves, their families, and the society in which they live by providing access to strong educational and leadership opportunities. We strive to educate these children to the extent of their interests and abilities.
FB: Jajja’s Kids Uganda

Jajja’s Kids Jajja’s KidsDiane Renier, DirectorConnie Houde, Board President

Bunbury Players
The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds
Maureen Aumand, Director
Deb Mead, “Beatrice Hunsdorfer”
In this Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Beatrice Hunsdorfer, an embittered woman supporting herself and her two daughters, takes in a decrepit boarder and inflicts petty vengeance on those around her; her older daughter Ruth is highly strung, prone to convulsions, while the younger, Tillie, shy yet gifted in science, conducts a botanical experiment that ultimately succeeds despite Beatrice's jealousy and emotional struggles.
Location: Albany Barn (56 Second St.)
Apr. 25 to May 4 – at 7 pm ($20)
The Bunbury Players are a company of volunteer theatrical artists in upstate New
York who came together to present live digital theatre during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. We
continue to present easily accessible theatre free of charge for all to enjoy.
Instagram:
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Bunbury Players Effect of Gamma Rays Bunbury Players -- Effect of Gamma Rays – Apr 25 to May 4Maureen Aumand, DirectorDeb Mead “Beatrice Hunsdorfer”

Circles of Mercy Inc. Irish Night Fundraiser
Richard Zazycki, Exec. Director
Location: Albany Hibernian Hall (375 Ontario St.)
April 20 from 6 to 9 pm
Circles of Mercy Presents its “Irish Night” fundraiser, a celebration and a tribute to our dear friend Frank Jaklitsch. There will be Gift Basket Raffles, 50-50 Raffle, Door Prizes, Food and Refreshments will also be available… Music Provided by “Good Things…” The trio of Bobby Long, Kathi Quinlan and Michael Eck, Having its roots in the music of “The Songman” - Frank Jaklitsch!
Tickets: call 518-462-0899
Reservations: $15/ at the door $18
Circles of Mercy is an out-reach center for those in need and is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy. Circles has served the City of Rensselaer and local community for over 25 years in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy and of their First Sister - Catherine McAuley. The organization was established on September 24, 1997, and offers a variety of services and programs to anyone in need, especially women and women with children.
FB: Circles of Mercy
Website: (circlesofmercy.org) https://youtu.be/-SRu6HbE4hI

Circles of Mercy – April 20 Irish Night Circles of Mercy – April 20 Irish NightRichard Zazycki, Exec. Director Circles of Mercy

To watch this week’s Capital Region Today Show with the following guests in the order of their appearance,
>>> Schuylerville Community Theater’s “Cinderella” April 26-28 with Johathan Nichols-Pate, Director
Brian Fitzgerald “Prince Charming” & Helen Annely as “The Fairy Godmother”
>>> Circles of Mercy – April 20 Irish Night with Richard Zazycki, Exec. Director
>>> Bunbury Players -- Effect of Gamma Rays – Apr 25 to May 4 with Maureen Aumand, Director & Deb Mead “Beatrice Hunsdorfer”
>>> Octavo Singers -- Mendelssohn’s Elijah April 21 with Diane Deacon, President & Andrew Burger, Artistic Director
>>> Jajja’s Kids (Uganda) Fundraiser Apr. 21 with Diane Reiner Director & Connie Houde, Board President
>>> Home Made Theatre -- The Humans Apr 19-28 with Erin Harrington, Director & David Skeele “Erik”
To Watch the entire show click here:

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Richard Zazycki from the VITA program explains how to complete W2 and W4 forms.

VITA Program VITA Program – Wrap-upRichard Zazycki, Circles of Mercy

Watch this week’s Capital Region Today with the following guests in their order of Appearance
>>> Proctors Collaborative with Jessica Sims, Communications Manager/Press
>>> Armory Studios NY – Dino Alive Immersive with Ray Legere, Co-Owner & Richard Lovrich, Artistic Director
>>> miSci (Museum of Innovation and Science) with Gina Gould, President
>>> VITA Program – Wrap-up & W2 & W 4 forms with Richard Zazycki, Circles of Mercy
>>> Spina Bifida Association with Kathleen Watt, Individual & Family Services & Julia Duff, Exec. Dir.
To watch the entire show:

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Schenectady Civic Players
August: Osage County
Carol Charniga “Violet”
Melissa Lacijan “Barbara”
August: Osage County is a tragicomedy play that tells the story of the Weston family, and how the death of patriarch Beverly Weston sets them into a dysfunctional, downward spiral. His disappearance leads to his family reuniting to care for his wife, Violet Weston, where dark secrets are revealed.
March 15- 24
12 South Church St. 12305
FB – Schenectady Civic Players

Schenectady Civic Players August: Osage County Schenectady Civic PlayersAugust: Osage County (3/15 - 3/24)Melissa Lacijan “Barbara”Carol Chaniga “Violet”

Watch this week’s Capital Region Today Show with:
>>> Opera Saratoga – Katie: The Strongest of the Strong (performances) with Amanda Robie, Managing Director
>>> Conversation With Rudy Lu, Photographer, Artist, Digital Creator
>>> Schenectady Civic Players
August: Osage County (3/15 - 3/24) with Melissa Lacijan “Barbara”& Carol Charniga “Violet”
>>> Harbinger Theatre – In the Blood (3/15-3/24) @ St.Rose Theater with TJ Collins, Director & N icole Dama Poleto “Hester”
>>> Schenectady Pride Festival (June 1) with
Sonia Sandoval & Micheala Torres, Co-Chairs
>>> To watch the show

Capital Region Today 1204 This weeks guests:Rudy Lu, Photographer, Artist, Digital CreatorHarbinger Theatre – In the Blood (3/15-3/24) @ St.Rose TheaterTJ Collins, DirectorNicole Dama...

Would you like your taxes done for free? Watch these guests on Capital Region Today.

VITA Program – Circles of Mercy VITA Program – Circles of MercyLatest Tax UpdateRichard Zazycki, Exec. Dir.Joanne Passineau

Watch this week’s Capital Region Show with the following guests (in order of appearance.
>>> VITA Program – Circles of Mercy
Latest Tax Update with Richard Zazycki, Exec. Dir. &
Joanne Passineau, Site Coordinator
>>> Home Made Theater’s Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure (Feb 23 – Mar 3) with Eric Rudy, Executive & Artistic Director, Haley Beauregard, Peter Pan/Juniper Cast, Lauren Berkman, Peter Pan/ Emerald Cast
>>> Downtown Sch’dy Improvement Corp – Restaurant Week (Feb 26 – Mar 3) with Amy Sonder, Promotions Mgr.
>>> Callaloo Theater’s Harlem Macbeth (Unfortunately, this event has been postponed at the last minute -- this was filmed before – watch for new date) – with Chavell Edwards, Actor, Amelia Paul, Actor “Lady Macbeth”. Averatt Washington, Actor
>>> Bunbury Players’ Festival of One Act Plays (3/8 & 9) with Jason Cromie, Playwright/Director
To watch the show:

Capital Region Today 1203 This weeks guests: