Mike Gordon

Very few bassists generate a cult of celebrity large enough to front their own side project, but Phish bassist Mike Gordon—known as “Cactus” to the faithful—once even sparked a successful fan campaign (People for a Louder Mike) to get his basslines raised in his band’s live mix. While responsible for the syncopated bombs that define the Phish “phunk,” Gordon has long been more than a savvy sideman, penning some of that band’s oddest tunes, assuming a quirky deadpan stage persona, and remaining creatively active even during Phish’s periods of dormancy.

Early in the decade, Gordon found unlikely chemistry with acoustic guitar whiz Leo Kottke, started a country band, collaborated with the Benevento/Russo Duo, and shot his first feature film. Then, just as Phish were busy pulling themselves together in late 2008, Gordon released The Green Sparrow with his first real solo band.

It’s with this ensemble (featuring Scott Murawski on guitar) that Mike Gordon will come to Revolution Hall (425 River St., Troy) tomorrow (Friday, March 5) at 8 PM. Tickets were $20, but the show is currently sold out. Raise one finger if you’re looking for a miracle. Call 274-0553 for more info.

Girls Night: The Musical

What’s more fun than going out with your friends for a couple of beers and indulging in a bit of karaoke singing? Louise Roche’s Girls Night: The Musical takes this everyday kind of relaxation and turns it into a “one-night-only laugh-apalooza” on the mainstage at Proctors.

Follow party-girl Carol, blunt-talking Anita, complicated Liza, not-so-angelic Sharon and boring designated-driver Kate as they spend an evening sharing laughter and tears in between singing such girls-night-out anthems as “I Will Survive,” “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” and “It’s Raining Men.” The production is said to walk a thin line between corny and raunchy; we’re pretty sure that if you liked Menopause: The Musical, you’ll like Girls Night: The Musical.

Girls Night: The Musical will be presented tomorrow (Friday, March 5) at 8 PM on the mainstage at Proctors (432 State St., Schenectady). Tickets are $20-$45. For more info, please call 346-6204.