11/5: Today’s Tips: Thursday

VISUAL ART/LECTURE: G.C. Haymes talk and opening reception for “Collected Works” @ The Yates Gallery, Siena College, Loudonville: No, we’re not above a little shameless self-promotion. Nippertown writer showcases his visual art side with an exhibition curated by Sergio Sericolo. Artist talk/interview with arts critic Timothy Cahill at 4pm; opening reception 4:30-6pm. Free.

MUSIC: Terra Naomi with Jon Sandler @ Valentine’s Music Hall, Albany: Local girl makes good. Singer-songwriter wins the first-ever YouTube Award for Best Music Video. Signs major label deal with Island Records. Plays in front of like 80,000 people in London’s Wembley Stadium as part of worldwide Live Earth festival. Records album for Island – hates it. Leaves Island Records. October 20, 2009: New EP, “You For Me,” available on iTunes. Naomi lands at Valentine’s for a homecoming concert. Now yer up to date… 8pm. $10.

OPEN MIC: The Eighth Step Open Mic Night @ Proctors’ Robb Alley, Schenectady: Hosted by singer-songwriter Cathy Winter, the Eighth Step’s open mic night takes place on the first Thursday of each month at Proctors’ Robb Alley (across from the Muddy Cup). Come on down and strut your stuff, and sit back and listen to new emerging talent. 7pm. Free.

MUSIC: Maria Muldaur @ the Colony Cafe, Woodstock: Long before she was riding the hit parade with “Midnight at the Oasis,” the lovely Maria Muldaur was making funky acoustic music with the Jim Kweskin Jug Band and the Even Dozen Jug Band. On her new album, “Maria Muldaur and Her Garden of Joy,” she revisits her roots with guest performances by her former bandmates John Sebastian, David Grisman and the late great jugmeister Fritz Richmond. (She’ll also be at the Van Dyck in Schenectady on Friday, November 6.) 8pm.