Destiny’s Child

Well, this is it. The last hurrah for Destiny’s Child. To play on the title of their breakout (and best) album, the writing was on the wall when lead singer Beyoncé Knowles conquered the pop universe with her solo debut. And even if their latest and final release, Destiny Fulfilled, is mostly underwhelming, that has absolutely nothing to do with their live performance tonight at the Pepsi, which will, no doubt, be a genuine show-biz spectacular.

Plus, you have to admit, whether you like her or not, Beyoncé could sing the phone book and make it compelling.

Something to look for: It will be interesting to see if they can top the back-to-back pairing of a gospel medley with “Bootylicious,” via an odd dance interlude, which was the, um, ironic highlight of their last visit, on the TRL tour. (You remember, the show at which opener Jessica Simpson busted out of her pants, and had to change into her mom’s jeans for the rest of her performance.)

Also on the bill are three easy to remember one-name acts: Mario, Amerie (of the ubiquitous hit “1 Thing”) and Tyra.

Destiny’s Child will perform tonight (Thursday, July 28) at 7:30 PM at the Pepsi Arena (51 S. Pearl St., Albany). Tickets range from $75 to $39.50. For reservations and information, call 476-1000.

Stockholm/59°North

A Swedish Royal Court dancer, Madeleine Onne, formed the dance company Stockholm/59°North in 1997; in August, they did their first-ever residency at our region’s jewel of dance, Jacob’s Pillow. The company is a group of soloists from the Royal Swedish Ballet who have committed themselves to presenting first-class modern dance—deeply rooted in a centuries-old classical tradition—to the world. In their eight years as a company, Stockholm/59°North has garnered some very high praise from the world of dance critics. Even our own Times Union has called them “the classiest Swedish import since Saab.”

Beginning Wednesday, Stockholm/59°North will present a program of inventive choreography by Mats Ek, Jorma Elo, and Kenneth Kvarnström, featuring In My Dream Team, Pas de danse, Morning Ground, Come Out, and Carmen!?.

Stockholm/59°North will perform at Jacob’s Pillow beginning Wednesday (Aug. 3) through Aug. 6 at 8 PM; and Aug. 6 and 7 at 2 PM. Tickets are $50, $45 for seniors, children and students. To order tickets, call the Pillow at (413) 243-0745.

Jerry Garcia: A Visual Journey

It’s hard to believe, but onetime Grateful Dead singer-guitarist Jerry Garcia has been dead for a full 10 years now. Even harder to believe is that he began his very lucrative career as a painter after his death. It’s true: He faked his own death—the only feasible means of extricating himself from prior band commitments—in ’95 so he could pursue his lifelong dream of selling $55 tie-dyed neckties to aging baby boomers. Far out, man.

Alright, don’t get too excited—we’re making that up. Jerry’s long gone and not coming back, and there’s not much our considerable imagination can do about it. But one of his legacies lives on in the exhibit Jerry Garcia: A Visual Journey, which will visit our area this weekend. It’s the largest nationally touring collection of Garcia’s visual-art works, including a never-before-seen (at least not in these parts) watercolor. We’re stoked, dude.

Jerry Garcia: A Visual Journey will be on display at the Century House (997 New Loudon Road, Latham) this Saturday and Sunday (July 30-31). Hours are 10 AM-10 PM on Saturday, and 10 AM-6 PM on Sunday. Admission is free and open to the public, and all works are for sale, although we imagine you’ll need some pretty deep pockets if you want to break off a piece of the legend. Bummer.