Metroland_Jan 2025

raising the bar

| Jamel Mosely

| contents

Harkes

staff

editor-in-chief & publisher

Erin Harkes

associate editor

TJ Foster

director of art & photography

Kiki Vassilakis

multimedia manager

Andy Scullin

visual arts editor

Tony Iadicicco

graphic designer

Kevin Wisehart

contributors

Rory Graham, Elissa Ebersold, James Mullen, Tom Miller, Patrick White, Natalie St. Denis, Dana Brady, Becky Daniels, Jaye McBride, Dana Owens, RM Engelhardt, Jody Cowan, Sarah Michelle Sherman, Izzy Vassilakis, Jessica Hoffman, Ryan Shanahan, Debi Gustafson, Dan Savage, Corey Aldrich and Brad Monkell

| from our editor

by Erin Harkes

“I quit.”

I’ve uttered that phrase at least once a day since April.

Fortunately, it’s a fleeting feeling, though not unusual among artists and small business owners, as I’m discovering. Combine that with a flair for the dramatic, and it makes sense that I’ve echoed those words so often.

Deep down, I know those words are bullshit. Aside from booze, hard drugs, and cigarettes, I’ve never truly quit anything before. But when the going gets tough, my resilience against impostor syndrome wanes. Every negative thought I’ve ever entertained grows louder, and the voices of those who’ve cast doubt linger in my subconscious.

“You are right to doubt yourself,” the voices say.

Yet, the most remarkable aspect of my journey in reviving Metroland has been the connections I’ve been forging. The people I’ve met and the relationships I’m nurturing are nothing short of inspiring.

I never take for granted that people know who I am. I would much rather introduce myself and have someone respond with, “I know who you are,” rather than risk disappointment or embarrassment by assuming that “maybe you’ve heard of me”.

However, the more I hear, “I know who you are,” from those I aim to connect with, the echoes of self-doubt fade. What’s even better? They’re eager to collaborate with me—or rather, with us.

Many of us seek validation for various reasons, whether we admit it or not. I chose a life on stage, craving applause, so I have no qualms about my desire for positive attention. Yet, I’m learning to redefine what validation truly means. It isn’t confined to a pat on the back or a shiny trophy; it manifests in the exceptional individuals in our community who want to be part of our endeavors. It means we’re doing something right. Right?

From community leaders to artists to the dedicated members of my team all working tirelessly to bring our vision to life, it’s clear I must be doing something right.

Besides, I have no quit in me. I’m just getting warmed up.

Erin Harkes

Editor-In-Chief & Publisher

| newsfront

the great cabaret crackdown, pt 2: entertainment by right by James Mullen

This past October, Albany was rocked by rumors of police raids on Lark Street shutting down DJs and allegedly engaging in what some would call anti-music and anti-business activity. Specifically, an incident at the Larkin Hifi involving a verbal altercation between establishment co-owner Nick Warchol and city code enforcement officials on the street outside the bar. This led to a fierce disagreement between the Larkin Hifi and the city of Albany that thrust a twelve-year old statute into the spotlight. From there, it became clear that this law, as written, was simply not sufficient. The wording was too vague and somewhat confusing; many claimed that this left room for it to be used for oppression.

It’s no secret that the history of such cabaret laws is checkered at best. In New York City, a similar law wrought havoc on the jazz community and was disproportionately wielded against blackowned businesses for decades before finally being repealed in 2017. The episode at Larkin Hifi and similar scenes over the years eventually led to a sustained public outcry which inevitably attracted media attention and, in turn, attracted the attention of the local government to rise to action. Council members Sergio Adams and Jack Flynn promptly co-sponsored an attempt to repeal and replace the law, and Mayor Kathy Sheehan’s office expressed support for reworking the legislation as well. It was a rare moment where something in local government seemed to have wide-ranging support from both the legislature and the executive, and as late October turned to November progress continued to be made.

I caught up with Sergio Adams recently to speak to him about the current plans for the legislation. He confirmed that he and Councilman Flynn had met with the Mayor’s office, as well as a coalition of other council members, Lark

Street business owners, and neighborhood associations to discuss how to move forward.

“As of right now we do have an updated draft for the cabaret law,” Adams tells me, “which is now called the ‘accessory entertainment legislation’. We are no longer using the term cabaret. We are using the term ‘accessory entertainment.’”

This new terminology pertains to anything additional to the business that currently exists. “If you’re a restaurant that just serves food and drinks and in the evenings or on the weekends you want to provide some type of live entertainment, that’s where that would fall under.”

getting rid of that and making it “by right”, that whole part and process is gone.”

This should streamline the process by ensuring that the enforcement goes strictly through the board of zoning appeals. Under the new process, any businesses in good standing in the community will be allowed to host entertainment as an accessory to their business.

The draft specifies the Albany Police Department would enforce accessory entertainment rules in coordination with the Department of Building and Regulatory Compliance. The Department of Neighborhood and Community Services is in charge of handling complaints. It defines a “Standard for Sound” that outlines the level or

“That spirit of music, the spirit of liberation that I mentioned way back in the intro to our article on this in our October issue; that wave that hits you when those vibrations and lyrics mesh with your soul and the sensation of song crescendos into a wave of pure freedom. Isn’t that a human right we should all be entitled to?”

This means that the legislation will go from an application process to a “by right” process, where businesses will have the right to provide activities and entertainment at their business as an accessory. According to lawinsider.com, the language “by right” in development and zoning means that anyone who complies with the existing regulations will be entitled to the benefit under the legislation, in this case the ability to host accessory entertainment. There would no longer be any need to obtain a license in order to host live music.

Adams goes on: “From a lot of the conversation we were getting, the long, annoying process of people having to go through seven different departments and wait for each of those departments to sign off was a big issue. So by

intensity of noise, duration of noise, ambient noise, time of day, and mitigation strategies employed to lessen noise. A Stop Work Order will be issued to any business in violation of the “Standard for Sound”, and accessory entertainment will not be permitted on any premises that accumulate four or more Stop Work Orders. Businesses that receive a Stop Work Order will be entitled to a hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals, at which point the order can be reduced to a warning.

“The language we are trying to focus on is what is reasonable and what is unreasonable in terms of the value level, the length of time that you know the complaint has been made, and we have to trust that the board of zoning

appeals is more than independent enough to handle those cases,” Adams continues, stressing the dissatisfaction with perceived bias under the previous legislation.

“My intentions and my goal, along with Jack, was to try to make sure that what we present here as this updated version really clears up some of that vagueness and also addresses the enforcement side of it.”

Councilman Adams tells me that while the legislation is still in draft form for now, he is hopeful that he is in possession of the final draft and that this will be voted on, and approved, at the council’s first meeting in January.

“Obviously in January there’s going to be some slight changes to the council but Jack and I are optimistic that what we’ve been working on these last few months, people will support and vote for.”

That vote will take place at the first Common Council meeting of 2025. The Common Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month, meaning that meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 6th, 2025.

It would appear that this is the twilight of the Albany cabaret law. With the track record of this law and others like it, it’s safe to say that it’s long overdue and that it won’t come a second too soon. It has been said in previous council meetings that the goal of this newly imagined legislation is to bring Albany closer to making entertainment a right. It’s that spirit of music, the spirit of liberation that I mentioned way back in the intro to our first article on this in our October issue; that wave that hits you when those vibrations and lyrics mesh with your soul and the sensation of song crescendos into a wave of pure freedom. Isn’t that a human right we should all be entitled to?

| confessions from the underground

Roy Thompson by TJ Foster

If you’re just joining us, Confessions From the Underground is a long-form interview series where I do a deep dive into a particular topic via conversations with underground artists. Think of it like Last Week Tonight for music, except with far less politics, research and budget. This month’s guest is Roy Thompson. A SUNY New Paltz recording technology professor by day, he also releases music and videos under the moniker RoyishGoodLooks, garnering over 175,000 YouTube subscribers hungry for his songs that pay homage to, and sometimes parody, the massive universe of Star Wars. If that sounds niche to you, keep in mind that his biggest video has attracted over 23 million views to date. This is not just nerd culture at its finest, but a master class in content creation and songwriting as well. So, what better person to chat with about this content-heavy culture of ours? If you like what you see, consider subscribing to Roy at www.youtube.com/royishgoodlooks

TJ Foster: Before we dive in, could you tell our readers a little bit about what you do, because it’s a lot, and I certainly don’t want to be reductive. You’ve done parodies but also all sorts of different things, so just kind of explain that a bit.

Roy Thompson: I appreciate that you put the immediate asterisk of like, ‘I don’t want to call you a parody artist.’ This is probably, for me, the biggest sticking point. I’ve been reflecting on this a lot more as time goes on, but at the end of the day, it’s just simply being an artist. I’m engineering, I’m writing, I’m recording, I’m mixing, I’m editing a video, I’m posting it online, I’m marketing. When you’re wearing 100 different hats, you’re really just an artist at the end of the day. I don’t know if that’s pretentious to say, but for me, that’s the healthiest way to describe it. It’s a lot harder to describe turning Star Wars into pop punk songs on YouTube at Thanksgiving to a distant relative. (laughs)

TF: No, I think you touched on it really well. It’s probably really nice too, that you’re able to have those distinct segments in what you do. How long would you say each of these videos takes you from the point of inception to hitting “publish”?

RT: It always varies, but I do keep track, dude. The Star Wars songs on the Royish Good Looks channel, right now I think the average is 50 days between one release to the next. Day one you get the most work done. You’ve got the shitty demo version of the song, and then you tweak lyrics or the arrangement. I have a hefty revision process; I’ll redo the whole damn thing over

the course of those 50 days, but within like, a week or two, you find what it’s roughly going to be, and then the perfectionism kicks in. Once I get into the video stuff, I really take time to sync up the perfect frame with the beat of the song. There’s a lot there. And I guess maybe that’s why it takes over a month for just one damn song. But also, I do procrastinate. I’m lazy, just like everybody else.

TF: And your biggest video by far is obviously your Adele/Star Wars mashup [“Hello (From the Dark Side)”], which is almost, what, 10 years old at this point?

RT: Nine years old this year, yeah.

TF: Incredible. And it has 23 million views and rising. What was it about that one that you think made it so successful, and when you made it, did you think “this is the thing”?

RT: When I made it, I was nervous to do anything with it. I mean, this is my origin story. I’ve got over 70 singles now about Star Wars but [“Hello (From the Dark Side)”] was the first one, and what made it so successful wasn’t me being a genius. It was just the circumstance of Star Wars coming back after like ten years with the new franchise, and Adele’s “Hello” was just huge. There were a million Adele parodies, I was just lucky enough to be the only person that came up with that and put it out before somebody else had the opportunity to. I think that’s really what that comes down to.

TF: Right place, right time.

RT: After I’d made it, I showed it to my brother, Russ, and I asked him, “What should I do with this? Should we put this out under our band’s name?” We determined we’re not really that kind of group. The Star Wars thing is me. Russ isn’t into Star Wars, or at least not to the level that I am. But he actually sold me on it. I have a vivid memory of playing it for him and he’s got this shit-eating grin on his face. He kind of gave me permission to just let it be my own thing. So that’s why it made it out there, with like zero confidence. The next week it blew up. I could go down 100 other rabbit holes there. But I’ll pause for audience reaction. (laughs)

TF: It did blow up! And I saw it kind of happening in real time. How did that feel? I mean, that’s kind of a stupid question but, that must have been wild.

RT: I have always loved YouTube, and I always wanted a video to hit a million views. Now, that’s not really a big deal. Everybody gets a million views. That video might have been a viral hit but it was not my first foray into silly YouTube videos, so it felt very validating. I did it! But I had no fucking clue what to do next. And this is the curse of an overnight success. I don’t really think it was truly overnight, but it was a huge success, and I wasn’t already in a routine of making parodies or even making my own music. I wound up doing nothing for the next nine months. It was just paralyzing. It took another year or two to figure out what the heck Royish Good Looks was.

TF: That’s actually a really good segue into talking about the kind of paralyzing

nature of these “viral” successes. On the music side, there are people who will get big, find success, land big tours, whatever, from one single or a clip that might have gone viral on TikTok or something. Do you feel like music–or even just art in general–has been sort of diminished in any way by this constant pressure to just pump out content?

RT: Yeah, that’s a big question. I think it’s only diminished in the way that maybe jaded old fogies like us might want to title our article around, you know? Art’s gonna be art. It’s constantly changing. So it’s kind of BS to judge it based on “oh, it’s only a 15 second TikTok – that’s what music’s been reduced to.” Well, you’ve gone from the Gregorian chant to the symphony to the pop song to the TikTok video. What do you expect, there not to be progress, especially when there’s so many technological innovations? Yeah, the algorithm is scary, because then it does kind of become a selffulfilling feedback loop. But I almost would never have made “Hello (From the Dark Side)” if there weren’t already Adele parodies on YouTube.

TF: You do wonder why it’s feeding you the things it is and why it’s boosting the things it is, right? I’ve talked to so many up and coming artists who have told me they got started after getting noticed on TikTok. I do feel like it is this blessing for younger artists to have this platform where anyone can hear their stuff, regardless of if they’re touring or doing X, Y and Z. So I do love that for them. But then again, it comes back to what happens to them in a year or two? To your point, you were paralyzed right? It can hinder the creative process, I imagine.

RT: The pressure hinders the process. But dude, trying to play to the algorithm is no different than if you’re in a band, playing all the local clubs and hoping you’re gonna get a record deal. If you want to tie this into more of our generation, you’re looking for someone to just pluck you out of your scene and into the zeitgeist. That’s no different than people posting on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, whatever. They’re just throwing out their lures, trying to catch a fish and get that lottery ticket of some sort to get to the next level.

For the people that are doing it every day, and they’re building up a fanbase – that’s the way to do it. If you know how to show up every

day, you’re going to get better at your craft and increase your odds at getting lucky. If you strip “Hello (From the Dark Side)” from my catalog, there might be a different number of subscribers and views, but I’d still have 69 other songs and all the other skills gained from that. We celebrate those huge wins but it doesn’t really mean anything in the end. It’s easy for our generation to be disconnected with TikTok; it’s 15 second clips, it’s weird. But it’s the same artistry at the end of the day.

TF: You used the adjective “silly” at one point a couple minutes ago to describe some of the things you do. And sure, there is a sense of silliness to it, however, I was going through your catalog and I saw the latest video you posted and noticed this comment…. “I’m Korean. The situations of the last few days in my country reminded me of Emperor Palpatine and the Galactic Empire… Songs about Rebellions give me strength. Thanks for making a good song.”

“this sounds like a real song!” Could you imagine walking up to anybody else… Ed Sheeran, this sounds like a real song! (laughs) This is not just a silly “digital Dorito”, which is a term Cal Newport [uses]. I like that you can be entertained by it, but at the end of the day, there could be something more to return to. It’s not just the spectacle.

TF: What is the balance between the comments like the Korea one and the comments that you just referenced?

RT: I think that one [I just referenced] is one of the top comments. That’s what you want to hear, it’s just the way the person delivers that comment. I do think they mean well and that still feels good. I’ve read probably over 100,000 YouTube comments in my career, so I’ve seen the gamut of like, awful to very generous, and anytime you just laugh at it, regardless of what spectrum it’s on, it is the healthier way to go about it.

Did you ever think something you worked on would have that kind of meaningful impact on the other side of the world?

RT: It’s pretty crazy that you put the thing on the internet and it can reach anybody. There’s a lot of people I’ve seen from Ukraine or Russia write comments and it’s insane. You never know what kind of impact you’re having on people. I always try to respond to those comments that feel like a real person on the other end.

I do love those comments when people say,

TF: That’s good you’re able to just laugh it off.

RT: No, I’ll turn to my spouse, and I’ll be like, “Can you believe what this person said?” I’ll still fume about it. But once that initial gut reaction dissipates, then you can laugh. Because YouTube comments are generally fired off. Not a lot of people write it, delete it, think about what they actually want to say and then come back and revise. They’re just gut reactions, and there’s always truth to them, but it doesn’t always come out constructively.

TF: I think that’s a very interesting side of this whole system of putting out content, right? Obviously, you’re putting things out there for the masses to ingest, but you’re also opening it up for comment and critique and discussion, and to your point, very few people are sitting there thinking about what they’re writing. You spend an average of 50 days working on a song, they’re going to listen to it for 90 seconds and then immediately fire off that gut reaction.

RT: How much time do you have, TJ? (laughs)

The funny thing about that is people don’t realize how much effort went into making something the way that it is. I’ll get comments like, “You should have rhymed this with this.” Okay, thanks, but you could also write your own song if you’ve got a better idea. There’s the people that say, “Taylor Swift, I could do what she does!” But you didn’t! It’s really easy to see

what somebody else has done and critique it, especially as a kind of keyboard warrior.

The people that are commenting on YouTube or wherever, they just want to be heard and feel important, and that’s easy to forget when you’re reading that comment. I’ve even gotten comments not related to [the music]: people that say, “Get a haircut. What’s up with your hair today?” This is what you get opened up to when you try to do something generous for the rest of the world: useless comments like this. It just comes with the territory. So yeah, I’ve seen a little bit of it all, but you do have to remember that it’s just somebody else that wants to be heard, and it’s no different than me wanting people to hear my song.

TF: Is there any other part of this “content machine” that you find particularly difficult or struggle with, whether it be any of the technical things, or even literally just getting over that hump of saying, “Okay,

this is ready”?

RT: I think deeply about every part of the process. How can I screen capture the video so that the pixels are a little bit sharper? How can I warm up my voice so they don’t sound too nasally on the recording? The most difficult part is just simply feeling comfortable with what you’ve created at the end of the day. Like, okay, maybe it’s a little nasally, but that’s the best I could do today. Getting comfortable with that is difficult, but when you do, then you’re able to actually put the thing out and make progress in your own craft. It’s no good if it’s just living on your hard drive.

TF: I’ve struggled with that forever, and I’ve become more cognizant of it as I’ve gotten older and been doing this longer. Just trying to find a way to be comfortable with exactly what you just said. Okay, my voice never sounds the way I want it to, but that is human right? We’re not all gonna be, you know, Taylor Swift or Mariah Carey at fucking 10am on a Tuesday, but it’s a big mental speed bump, for sure. You seem to have this very healthy balance for yourself: coming up with an idea, executing the idea, and then putting it out there to organically do its thing. How do you maintain that in a healthy way mentally?

RT: Well, I never work until 2am anymore. There’d be days in the studio where I’d be there all night. I know you have kids and a wife. There’s responsibilities now, whether that’s like, showing up to an event, or you just got to do the dishes or whatever. There’s something to asking, “What are your normal human obligations?” that can actually maybe help keep your artistry on track.

When you make 70 Star Wars songs, you figure out a formula, and you can constantly deviate at any point in the formula and refine it over time. But that’s just it. I could tell you exactly, step by step, how I like to do it. I teach recording courses. I work with beginning students that have not yet developed those muscles of how they like their workflow from start to finish. They haven’t done enough projects to have any clue. That’s something you learn over time: knowing what the process is, and reflecting on where you’re getting tripped up the most. Guess what, dude? “Hello (From the Dark Side)”? It’s mix number one. There was no revision.

Photo credit: Kiki Vassilakis

TF: Interesting! Looking back at that song, putting it out there with no revisions and it being so successful, do you think that had some sort of impact on your process today with your revising mixes more and more?

RT: I mean, yeah, I couldn’t say otherwise, because there’s so much expectation after that song, and I still carry that expectation with me, which is why I try to be a Zen Buddhist and not worry about the outcome. (laughs) And that’s what a lot of people do when they’re posting things. They’re hoping this will get enough clicks, enough likes, enough subscribes, enough views, and that sucks all the fun out of the process. “Hello (From the Dark Side)” was all fun. It was also like a 24 hour turnaround. It’s a trope [with songwriters] that a song that was fired off on the last day of their studio time became the hit. It’s painful how true a cliche that is.

TF: Do you think you’ll ever, just for exercise purposes, try and do that again? Take 24 hours, see what happens and then put it out there?

RT: I mean, that’s what demo one is right? That’s the most fun version of the project where there’s no editing. But then the craftsperson will say, “This part’s a little sharp, that’s a little round,” and then reconfigure it. You ask could I do that? I actually do on so many other things. Teaching my class? I gotta prepare for it, but I can only teach it one time that semester, and I have to wait until the next semester to revise it. I do a podcast with my buddy Joey where we review the Star Wars shows and that’s off the cuff, just like this. You’re just talking, and half an hour later, you’ve got the podcast. We edit out points of it, but it’s done that day basically. So there’s other creative endeavors where I’m able to apply this advice, but not to the place where it probably matters the most.

TF: I feel like it is two very different parts of your brain, or maybe it’s the same part of the brain, but two different factions of it. I’ve got stuff on my hard drive I’ve been sitting on for years, because there’s no end goal. But when it’s something like, I’ve got an article to write that needs to be done by tomorrow at midnight, I’m in the zone, man. I’m just going and going. Now, obviously we’re coming at this from the artist’s side of things so far, but flipping it on its head for a minute… what are some things that

you appreciate when you’re consuming content, and what are some things that drive you crazy?

RT: I love when things are formatted really well, whether that’s a pop song, or a movie, or a YouTube video. Where it seems like somebody thought about how to present this particular thing in the most satisfying way. I love books that just get to the fucking point. I don’t need an introduction; just get to the goods. You can apply that, obviously, to pop songs too. I hate when people ignore [formatting]. When you make a podcast, you have to edit out the empty space. You have to edit out the “umms” and the cracking of beer and think about the end user. And maybe that’s why I belabor over some of my content, because partially it’s for me. I’ll listen to demo one 100 times. I don’t need to actually finish it. I’m happy with that first version, but to put it out, it’s got to be better than that. It has to be worthy of a million views, particularly with podcasts, because I personally believe podcasts are the 21st century garage band. Everyone’s got one. But not everybody knows how to play their scales. Not everybody knows how to write a good song structure or market their live performance. People are gonna tune out if it’s not well formatted.

TF: That’s so true. On that note, I always like to end these conversations with a little nugget of wisdom. I’ve said this a few times now, so I’m sorry for belaboring the point, but you definitely excel at all these different things, from songwriting to performing to recording to video editing and even, I would argue, marketing. I wanted to end by addressing the folks–no

matter what level they’re at in their careers, what age they are or what they’re doing–that may only excel at one of these things, but they still want to generate content rapidly and most importantly, effectively. What advice would you give these people to be successful?

RT: It’s a cliche, but you only get to quality through quantity. It’s difficult because you’re going to second guess the process. You mentioned earlier that there’s stuff on the hard drive and no plan. So what is the plan? You’re not going to have all of the skills that you wish you’ll ever have right away. You’re gonna have to build up to that. You gotta have faith that you’ll figure it out along the way. And if you do want to be an artist, we’re always wrestling with that uncertainty. That’s what makes it fun!

| interview: jamel mosely

loosening the pickle jar by Erin Harkes

In the heart of Troy, the Whiskey Pickle bar has long been a beloved local institution—an energetic, welcoming space where patrons can enjoy everything from a casual $4 beer to an extravagant bottle of Louis XIII. This establishment embodies a unique blend of high and low experiences, making it more than just a bar; it’s a community hub where diverse musical acts and friendly faces come together.

However, the vibrant atmosphere of the Whiskey Pickle faced an unexpected challenge when news broke back in September that it, along with several other local venues, would be closing its doors. The announcements of the closures—Twisted Fiddler, Street Taco VII, Tatu Tacos & Tequila, and the Whiskey Pickle—sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many wondering about the future of Troy’s nightlife. Unfortunately, logistical issues forced an immediate shutdown.

Upon hearing about the Whiskey Pickle’s closure, Jamel Mosely was quick to reach out to the owner.

“You could hear the heaviness in his voice,” he recalls. “He didn’t want this place to close; he wanted it to work out.”

Determined to help, he offered his expertise in marketing and event planning, hoping to provide support to a space that meant so much to the community.

It was during this time that a peer encouraged him to take a more active role. Recognizing the potential synergy between the Whiskey Pickle and the collective efforts of local businesspeople dedicated to fostering community, an idea began to take shape. Within two weeks, he became a principal owner, bringing fresh energy and hope back to the venue.

While it’s impossible to categorize Mosely without being insultingly reductive, one of the many hats he wears is as a DJ. With his new ownership came a shift in responsibilities; he would be DJing less frequently to focus more on the management and revitalization of the space. One particular night, a DJ hadn’t shown yet for their slot. Excitement filled the air as patrons eagerly anticipated the DJ set starting at 9 PM. With enthusiasm, he stepped

up to the turntables for an impromptu 30-minute set, igniting the atmosphere and blending seamlessly into his new role as both owner and entertainer.

Although this transition is not Mosely’s first time as “boss”, he’s never been in this particular role in this industry. “I have an incredible team,” he emphasizes, crediting their support and patience during this period of learning. “I have people who trust me as a boss but also understand I’m learning at the same time.”

Unlike many other bosses, he challenges people with unfamiliar tasks by putting people in spaces, empowering them and letting them know that they are experts. A lot of people may not have felt that way in other spaces so for Mosely, it’s rewarding to create this dynamic. His commitment to nurturing talent and building relationships has attracted people who share his vision for a thriving, inclusive space.

Whiskey Pickle is only the latest on a long list of achievements; if we led with that list, you’d convince yourself we’d moved on to a different person by now.

Mosely is a multihyphenate community member. You can’t find any one title for him or any character description that wouldn’t read like a run-on sentence. If you formed a cadre of the most talented and creative people in the area and tasked them with making a vision board focused on art, music, photography, travel and community engagement, it still would only cover half of Mosely’s exploits. He is, or has been, a rapper, a DJ, a visual artist, a photographer, an activist, an entrepreneur, a producer. But ultimately, he sums himself up more succinctly.

“I’m a problem solver. I really like the energy behind new problems.”

Photo credit: Kiki Vassilakis

Not many can conceptualize a problem into an opportunity. It’s a superpower unto itself. But to be applied to the community at large instead of something self-interested is what makes Mosely the self-effacing antihero he is.

His journey into the world of entrepreneurship is rooted in creativity and a passion for community. From being a traditional artist, drawing Ninja Turtles in his youth, to forming a rap group and exploring music production, his path has been anything but conventional.

He began his career working under a postproduction studio in New York City, where his role involved assisting audio engineers. Through that studio, he gained valuable behind-the-scenes insight into how shows and commercials were produced at networks like Nickelodeon and NBC. He witnessed the evolution of networks like Animal Planet and Discovery Channel as they transitioned from traditional documentary styles, reminiscent of National Geographic, to more reality-based programming—such as Meerkat Manor—and other innovative editing techniques.

This position marked his first job after graduating from Full Sail University in Florida. He had the opportunity to work closely

with engineers, helping them adapt to new software programs like Pro Tools, moving away from older analog systems. His educational background in multimedia electronic media arts and communications at RPI prepared him for a variety of roles, including media management and audio library management.

One of his first tasks at that job was, quite humbly, getting bagels. Every morning, he would catch the 5:00 AM Amtrak to New York City for a three day span and start his morning by setting up a nice spread for the clients and staff in the lobby and inside the studios and making Starbucks runs. He was also tasked with delivering important packages to iconic places such as 30 Rock, demonstrating his readiness to tackle any assignment that came his way. He understood that being in the right place at the right time, combined with a positive attitude, could transform even the most mundane tasks into remarkable opportunities. He embraced the chance to learn and explore the city, leading to unexpected experiences, like lending his voice to a Valentine’s Day commercial on VH1 or meeting Neil DeGrasse Tyson in the hallway.

“Those are the type of people I look for when we’re looking to add people to our team,“ he admits. “If we really feel kind of what we felt in ourselves, we’re adding them to the team or putting them on more projects or higher risk projects.”

He opened a multimedia studio located on Delaware Avenue with his uncle who was among the first to introduce him to the world of studio work. This experience sparked a desire to return to New York City, a goal that ultimately remained unfulfilled. Instead, he found himself employed at General Electric (GE), a position regarded as a pinnacle of corporate opportunity in the region at that time, offering the potential for career advancement and stability. Beyond that he was actively volunteering in his community and getting involved with local non profit organizations. It was through this volunteerism that he was presented with a life-changing opportunity to travel the globe, engaging in his passion for film and photography. He visited diverse locations including Rwanda, Tanzania, London, and Guatemala.

Upon returning home, he served on the founding board of Albany Barn, a facility dedicated to providing a sustainable creative arts incubator and community arts center in Arbor Hill.

The connections forged through the Barn played a crucial role in the establishment of his multimedia business. Through collaboration with close friends and the resources available at the Barn, a collective effort began to unfold. This initiative, aptly named “Collectiveffort,” emerged from the understanding that presenting a unified front—a team of individuals equipped with cameras and recording equipment— significantly enhanced their visibility and credibility. What once would have been a $3,000 project transformed into an $80,000 endeavor simply by having three people in the room, exemplifying the power of collaboration.

During this time, another initiative called the Power Breakfast Club emerged. This weekly Tuesday morning gathering, held at 6:30 AM, provided a platform for discussions on various topics, ranging from homeownership and sustainable living to work-life balance and personal relationships. This space has become a vital resource for young professionals seeking community and support, particularly for those

Photo credit: Kiki Vassilakis

Photo credit: Kiki Vassilakis

who previously felt overlooked. Participants have expressed that finding this community has been integral to their wellbeing, with many stating they would have considered leaving had they not connected with others who shared similar experiences and aspirations.

The Collectiveffort team began its journey with a diverse group of educators, including teachers and professors, as well as filmmakers and photographers. Initially composed of around ten individuals, it also included PhDs, mothers, and community members. Over time, as life events such as new babies and further education took their toll, the team has now narrowed down to four core members.

He cites the book Poke the Box by Seth Godin, which emphasizes the necessity of individual energy and execution within a team, resonating deeply with his philosophy. He actually suggests it as a required reading for his team at Collectiveffort.

“It’s a fairly small book; I think 100 pages or less,” he recounts. “It really could be like three pages because basically it’s about the person with the idea and the energy to execute the idea and how important that is inside of your team, because a lot of times we don’t find the importance in that. Our society finds value in the person that can fit nicely inside of a system and consistently play that role forever. While they’re important, we also need to center ingenuity, creativity, and the people who can shake things up and get them started.”

As the collective evolved, it transformed into a creative agency centered around community building and providing space for collaboration. At one point, it also functioned as a co-working space, fostering a dynamic environment for creative endeavors. Today, primarily operating as a creative agency, Collectiveffort also features a studio located in Troy, offering a space for artists to execute their events, community meetings, showcases, video and photo projects. They focus on community engagement through events that everyone can enjoy, including nostalgic Saturday morning cartoon screenings complete with retro video games and cereal. The goal is clear: to forge connections through unique experiences.

Additionally, they provide sublease opportunities for creative entrepreneurs to establish their offices within our vibrant

community. They continue to explore and redefine what Collectiveffort can become, remaining committed to their core mission of creativity and collaboration. Presently the space is home to other capital region phenoms D. Colin, Robert Cooper Jr., Jammella (Lil Thrift Ma), and Nacy Warner Associates.

As he reflects on the challenges of building genuine connections in today’s fast-paced environment, he underscores the importance of empathy in creating meaningful relationships.

“There is this kind of thing you have to break through. I’ve heard so many times ‘Albany is so cliquish’. But you just have to make an effort. It can be tough making friends as an adult, too. I

“I just love creating the space. That’s it. And I love seeing people happy,” Mosely shares.

At one point Mosely had a holistic health wellness studio called “Root3d”. They were doing men’s and women’s group therapies, yoga, African-inspired dancing and so many other options. Unfortunately, when Mosely and his partner split, they ended up having to sell it. Mosely never saw this as an ending.

“Just the ignition of that was so important to so many different people. We helped launch some people’s careers in holistic health. [Maybe] it’s not meant to be something that we were supposed to do for 20 years. It was so important to just have it, you know? It could have been a

guess you call it networking. But what does it take to get beyond networking and really having intimacy with the relationships you have? You know, beyond the transaction. You hear these people [saying], ‘I’m an empath’. That’s not impressive. You know, because the human being, that’s our being social animals. Having empathy is one of the most human things that you can have. It’s one of the most basic things, but our society is something that is taking us away from that.”

Despite challenges and setbacks, he continues to thrive in the community with new ventures like The Whiskey Pickle acquisition. The positive feedback from patrons, many sharing their relief at the club’s reopening, illustrates just how vital a place like the Whiskey Pickle is for their community.

block party. You never know what could have been the butterfly effect of that block party. But we did a freaking two-and-a-half-year block party that was really cool. And we provided a space in the south end of Albany where we needed it.”

Having witnessed the success stories that stem from taking risks and bringing people together, he believes every event is an opportunity for connection—a kind of “block party” that fosters growth and creativity in the community.

Ultimately, he reflects, “Once you find your purpose and align with it, things just line up.”

With the revived Whiskey Pickle at the center of this energetic community renaissance, Troy has a renewed sense of hope and vitality, proving that with passion and collaboration, great things can flourish.

Photo credit: Kiki Vassilakis

Photo credit: Kiki Vassilakis

Photo credit: Kiki Vassilakis

| interview: ira baumgarten

shapeshifters book by Elissa Ebersold

According to the UCLA

Williams Institute, an estimated 5.5% of adults in the US identify as LGBTQIA+—that’s almost 14 million adults. While there has been a lot of progress throughout recent history, these adults still face an uphill battle of acceptance, whether that is civil, legal, or social. That battle will be even harder in the near future.

The rest of Americans, that morethan-significant-majority 94.5%, live their lives as expected in a heteronormative society, moving throughout it without ever truly understanding what it might be like to live in the shoes of someone queer.

That’s where Shapeshifters: Bodies Like Water comes in. Published by Buddy’s Bench Press, this beautifully-crafted book pledges to be a bridge, offering understanding and acceptance through art. It is activism at its most artistic.

I sat down with Executive Producer Ira Baumgarten to discuss the book.

Ira, his wife Nadine, and featured artist and friend Tom Toni Parker spearheaded this project—a project not only acting as that bridge, but also as a sanctuary for queer folk on their own sacred journey, regardless of age, faith, religion, and other qualities which make up that journey. However, Ira explained that despite its roots in queer

acceptance, it can also be used as inspiration for heteronormative individuals—inspiration to develop into a “full liberation” of oneself.

When asked about the inception of the book, the answer came swiftly. “My lifelong friend Tom Toni Parker [He/Him] and I have known each other since we were about five years old,” Ira told me. “We grew up together; we were neighbors. During COVID, at 68 years old, he started sharing with Nadine and I that he feels more at home in his femme self.” Baumgarten made the decision to film the conversation.

According to Ira, Tom Toni Parker taught himself makeup on YouTube, and learned a lot from Nadine about hair and makeup. But it was “sitting across the kitchen table from each other” one day in Southern California that was the true catalyst of it all. Painting his nails every morning was the way that Tom Toni grounded himself, and as he began teaching Ira how to paint nails, Ira said, “Tell me about this journey [of self discovery].”

Tom Toni’s story was that he had never been outside of his apartment dressed in femme clothes. One night, his ex-girlfriend and her daughter had visited to help him “get all femmed up.” The three of them were to go to a gay bar, but the first obstacle of Tom Toni’s self-actualization was taking that first step across the threshold into the open world.

“He was afraid he would humiliate [himself] because he knew he wouldn’t pass as a female,” Ira recalls. This first step–the venture from the front door down the stoop–became the nexus point for a new chapter of self-love and acceptance in his life. Ira thought the videoed conversation would make for a good mini documentary—an interesting juxtaposition of the lightheartedness and banter of friends teaching and learning to paint nails with the heaviness of unburdening his journey as a queer man.

In the reader notes of the book, it is stated that, “These conversations about nail painting, dressing up but not leaving the house and preconceived ideas of masculinity led to [Ira’s] realization that Tom Toni’s story—along with the stories of many others today—needed to be heard.”

Reflecting upon this moment, Ira’s eyes shimmered with tears. It was a clearly emotional and profound moment to relive as he recalled that day in his home.

When it came time to get to work on Shapeshifters: Bodies Like Water, Ira brought in art director and photographer Jenny Zander, a fellow queer artist, to work with each of the seven featured artists in the book—Gayatri Narayanan, Tom Toni Parker, Ro Lorenzen, Sharon Day, Natalia Patiño, BakiBakiBaki Porter, and Rox Anderson. Each of these artists receive their own section that begins with a

grounding—a short bit to get you into a headspace essential to navigate their particular section. Each artist then tells their story in a way that is close to them— be it prose or poetry—before closing with an artists’ reflection, both by the featured artist and by Zander herself. Zander’s stunning photography is found on every page, whether in the form of large full bleed spreads or small insets. These are pensive photos that serve to operate as more than just set dressing; as intended, each photo tells its own story, serving to accompany and elevate that artist’s tale and beauty in vivid color.

The title of the book, however, didn’t come from Tom Toni, Jenny or Ira, rather it came from the first featured artist in the book, Gayatri Narayana.

Gayatri, initially brought into the project by Jenny, is a formallytrained dancer from the upper crust of India, and she rebelled against that formality. “She wanted to be more fluid. She wanted to be able to fall,” Ira tells me. “[The title] Bodies Like Water really came from her because she had said she wanted to be like water.”

Shapeshifters: Bodies Like Water is an emotionally immersive work of art on its own—one that would be right at home alongside any other full-color book on your coffee table. It is a conversation starter, a conversation that needs to be had more than ever, to empathize with

your fellow human beings that live a life that you may not understand.

Copies can be purchased at Buddy’s Bench Press website (buddysbenchpress.com), where you can also see videos for each artist, or at Cafe Euphoria in Troy, NY. There are three prices: $15 Accessible Price, $30 Retail,

or $60 for a scholarship book, providing a copy for someone who may not otherwise be able to purchase one. To receive a scholarship book, contact Ira Baumgarten at irabaumgarten@ gmail.com. To purchase prints from the book, contact Jenny Zander at peafjenny@gmail.com.

Photo credit: Jenny Zander

| interview: sean rowe

strumming back home by Sarah

Michelle Sherman

Inside the historic Caffé Lena, Sean Rowe’s music wasn’t just heard—it was felt.

Known for his deep, resonant voice and soulful storytelling, Rowe left the intimate venue pulsing with the kind of connection only live music can create—music that seeps into your skin and lingers long after it fades. Where every note carries a weight, every lyric a purpose, every movement a meaning—a combination that has the power to reach into our minds and bodies, to heal, to challenge, and to connect us in ways nothing else can. Rowe gifted his audience a raw, deeply human experience—one not to be taken for granted and impossible to forget.

After the show, I had the chance to sit down with Rowe and just begin to scratch the surface of his passion, process, and perspective that all fuels his music. Here’s a glimpse:

Sarah Michelle Sherman: So, I want to know about your voice—is that something you trained yourself to do, or is it natural?

Sean Rowe: Training was not… really intentional. I didn’t ever take lessons or anything like that. It’s just a matter of having the sound in your head that you’re trying to recreate. I mean, certain things are out of my

control—like genetics. My father had a similar voice, although he wasn’t a singer.

SMS: I’m curious about the connection between you and your audience. What makes tonight different from another night?

SR: Every night is different. Every

show is different. That’s part of the attraction to it—you never know what you’re gonna walk into. Tonight was great—great energy. And it’s like a real thing. It’s… it’s… you can’t see it, but you can feel it. And it’s not figurative—it’s actually something. Because I’ve noticed, many times, I’ll be super tired or wary about playing or just not in the right headspace, and then I’ll

get with a certain crowd, and you can really feel the energy. And that shapes you for the duration of the time you’re mingling with that connection, and it can be really powerful.

SMS: When you’re writing, are you thinking more about the lyrics in terms of yourself or how it’ll impact who hears it?

SR: Good question... Yeah, I’m definitely thinking… Well, it might be both, actually. I don’t always write about things that necessarily happen in my life. Sometimes I’ll be inspired by another story or film… and I’ll write from my own perspective. I’m usually in it somehow. If I can’t relate to it, then I’m not gonna write it.

But I’m also thinking about how a particular line might connect with an audience. And it’s very mysterious because you’re not… you can’t get into somebody else’s head exactly. So you’re kind of guessing if it’s gonna land or not.

But I do get a visceral feeling when I write something and I feel like it’s really good—that I’ve said it in a way that’s unique and it hits the mark, at least for me—it’s what I would want to hear.

SMS: Did playing here tonight mean something more to you because you’re from upstate New York?

SR: Oh, yeah—always. I was born and raised in Troy and when I really started playing solo, I started in Saratoga, so it always means Photo credit: David Tyo

Photo credit: Debi Gustafson

something. You know, when I started out, I was playing for two people who didn’t care if I was there or not. So, to sell out a place where people actually come to see you… it’s still kind of mind boggling.

SMS: Are there certain songs that are more emotionallycharged or maybe more challenging for you? Or songs that bring out different parts of you?

SR: Yeah, definitely. You always want to really get behind the words you’re saying, but the music dictates its own emotion. It’s sort of an intuitive process, where you’re chipping away at what the instrumental is saying to you, you know? Because melody and rhythm are universal—it doesn’t matter what language you’re speaking in. People can relate and then respond on an emotional level just based on what the music is

saying itself. So it stands to reason that if you’re going to add words to it, that’s like a secondary thing. And

it can also be really powerful—the words—providing that you know the language, right? So, that’s what

I try to do—approach a song on multiple levels with the emotional impact hitting on the lyrics, but also the music.

SMS: Do you have any advice for young artists—the ones with the goal of making a living off playing music?

SR: Naturally, you want to be able to make a living from it and just do that. And I think the way to get there is to put everything you have into getting lost in what you’re doing. And that means totally committing yourself to the art, one hundred percent—in performance, in writing, in recording. The more you commit yourself, the more believable you are. And people resonate with artists who are fully committed— they recognize that. Whether or not it’s on an unconscious level or they’re actually thinking about it— that’s the way to win ears.

Of course, luck helps, too. If you get the right people surrounding you, they can propel that thing you already have going on, which is indispensable. But first and foremost, you gotta have that commitment.

Photo credit: Debi Gustafson

Photo credit: Debi Gustafson

| interview

planetarium party's next big transit by Dana Brady

After two and a half years of hosting their zodiac-themed dance parties in Troy, the trio behind Planetarium Party (Izzy Vassilakis, Syd and Marc Silvair) have decided to step away from the event’s monthly format and redirect their energies towards a new iteration of the project while also making room for other creative ventures. Their final regularly scheduled party took place in early December and they are currently planning to retool a few aspects of the much loved dance parties they’ve curated. The group was kind enough to sit down with me to share the history of Planetarium, the community they’ve found through it, and what’s yet to come.

Dana: Thanks so much for taking the time to do this! Can you tell me a little about how Planetarium came to be? How did you find each other?

Izzy: I randomly met August [Rosa, former owner of No Fun, current owner of DIVE] at, I think it was Donna’s, and he asked me, “Do you want to do some kind of monthly astrology party?” I said sure, but I couldn’t figure out what I wanted it to be… [Syd and I] were new friends at this point. I knew she and Marc were talented musicians and the idea just kind of hit us like, would you guys want to DJ it? That was the initial seed of the idea and there were a lot of other really interesting mystical things behind it, too. We didn’t choose the very first day, August picked it, but it ended up being this gorgeous

full moon that really vibed with all of our birth charts and then we just kind of built it from there.

Syd: Yeah, we moved up here from the city in 2020 and didn’t know anyone or anything about Troy. I was walking by 518Craft and saw a sign that said “Astrology Reading” so I followed Izzy on Instagram and eventually got a reading with her. Then we were at an event at No Fun and they were playing really good disco music, but we were the only ones there… we were like something is wrong here; there’s great music, great DJs, there definitely is a desire for a centralized dance community, but I think no one knows where to go. We were dancing on our own just like, where is everyone?

Izzy: The other thing too is that originally we always wanted to do a theme party because that’s awesome and super fun. Just figuring out how to really give an experience that’s correlated to the [zodiac] sign that we’re doing via the music and the theme and overall vibe. We’ve gotten so many people who are like, this is part of our spiritual monthly rituals and we come here because we know we can dance out the vibe that’s happening. We always take that into consideration.

Dana: I always wondered how you guys picked the music. I figured you must have a methodology for picking your playlists.

Marc: There’s definitely a lot of discussion around picking the playlist [laughs] and we, I guess, get a little perfectionistic in choosing the songs. It has to have some attachment to the theme. We have a hard time just throwing in

songs even if we want to hear them that are not quite right…

Syd: There’s a lot of times where we put in a song that’s related to the theme but in a really specific way and I’m always like, is anyone out there going to get why we added this? But then I just know based on the community that we’ve built that at least a handful of people who are super into astrology might even laugh at the choice, like I see why that’s very “Aries” or whatever the sign is.

Dana: How do you think Planetarium has evolved since the first time you did it until now? You’re kind of in a transition period with things now, right?

Syd: Yeah, so I think what we are locked down on is that it’s going to be four times a year for 2025 and the parties are going to align with the equinoxes and the solstices, so one party per season–nature season, not zodiac season–but we’re still going to find a way to tie it into astrology or something a little more esoteric.

Izzy: We want to be able to put more resources into a smaller amount of parties so we can make better parties.

Marc: It is a quicker turnaround than I think any of us thought for every month so all of us are just balancing life and then getting into this hyperfocused mode of how do we really craft this month’s party?

Syd: Also, to your question about how it’s evolved, one huge aspect of it is that people

Photo credit: Kiki Vassilakis

have started to celebrate their birthdays there… it’s such an honor to curate a playlist for all of the people who are celebrating whatever that zodiac season is and we feel like we want to do justice to the sign and justice to people coming to celebrate.

Dana: I imagine too there must be the pressure to one-up last month’s.

Marc: Yeah, luckily I feel like we all have felt the sort of safety net of it just being the best crowd ever that we’ve attracted. I just feel super lucky that people who come often and bring a friend the next time are going into it knowing they want to be there.

Izzy: You see a lot of the same people every month and they become Planetarium fam – it’s just really cute and makes me feel good about it.

Dana: I think it shows that you guys really care about what you do that you’re like, hey, let’s scale back so we can do even better. You guys also have other projects you’ve done or are involved in. Can you tell me a little about those?

Syd: I think that as time has gone on our music projects have taken a backseat to Planetarium just because of the time and the prep that goes into the playlists and choosing the songs. We haven’t played a live show as Syd Silvair in like two years, but we did just put out a single called Fugitive and will definitely have more releases in 2025. We haven’t put as much time as we want into that project so I’m excited to have more of a balanced year in 2025 where we can start playing live shows again and then still have fun with this. We also have been saying that the second we stop doing [Planetarium] monthly we’re going to miss it so much.

Dana: Did you incorporate outfits in your live performances as Syd Silvair? You guys always have incredible outfits as part of Planetarium.

Syd: Definitely. The visual aspect is such a huge part of the project. Syd Silvair I think of as a very exaggerated character of who I am so every time we do a show, the costumes and the aesthetics are definitely a huge part of it. I feel like I need that in order to step into a stage persona. It’s like a transformation that needs to happen because in real life I don’t totally love the spotlight, but it’s a shift that happens and a big part of it is costumes and feeling like putting a new persona on so I’m also excited to incorporate that into the new live set. I don’t exactly know what it’s going to be but it’ll definitely be weird and witchy and out there.

Izzy: What’s funny too is that when we were first becoming friends and doing this stuff, we were at a Halloween party, and I remember that you guys were dressed as Frankenstein and the Bride of Frankenstein!

Syd: We love costumes, we’ve been into hardcore Halloween for so many years and always were like, I wish Halloween came more than once a year and then we created Planetarium and here it is!

Marc: It’s so incredible; I just love the thought of people in Troy nowhere near Halloween in full costume and people being like, wait, what is happening here?

Dana: I think people need that outlet. It’s a very human thing to want to take off one persona and put on another and play around and dance. Clearly it’s something people want.

Izzy: I was actually thinking about this the other day; one of our original inspirations was old ancient Greek festivals where literally part of their religious and cultural systems was to let the populus blow off steam in a very specific way and that’s what we want for Troy: here’s a container to blow off steam, curated steam, and we would love to do something like that again in the future.

Dana: Yeah, and I think we’re also living in a time where people around our age or younger are not necessarily religious but they want something spiritual. Izzy, you build the altars that go with the theme of the night, right?

Izzy: Yes, and people do stop and look! For example, for a Libra party or a Taurus party, that’s a Venus-ruled sign, so I’ll do a Venus altar to kind of enhance the energy there. You use colors and objects that are associated with that energy and it just brings more of it into the room. People have been drawn to it and they come and talk to me about it and I like that because at times it can feel like it’s just a dance party, which is exactly what we wanted, but it’s nice to know that little touches and these spiritual elements that we based the entire idea on are appreciated.

Dana: I’m so excited to see what you guys do in 2025. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

You can follow Planetarium at @planetarium. party, Syd Silvair at @sydsilvair and Izzy at @ firsthouserisingastrology on Instagram.

Photo credit: Kiki Vassilakis

Photo credit: Kiki Vassilakis

| interview: ab the audicrat

Fake Booze, Real Hip Hop

Ab the Audicrat is no stranger to the New York State independent music scene. Being born and raised in Albany, studying at Oneonta, spending some time living in New York City and finally settling into a home base in Scotia, it’s safe to say that he’s experienced a wide-ranging sample of what the Empire State has to offer.

A formidable local hip hop producer, he’s worked with an ever-growing who’s who of the Albany hip hop scene including Xkwisit, Mista Pigs, and Emcee Graffiti just to name a few. He’s been one of the area’s most prolific hip hop artists for almost two decades, with releases on streaming spanning from 2005’s Absolute HipHop, Vol. 1 to 2024’s singles “Old Man Rap” and “Run It”. It’s an impressive run that started out with humble beginnings.

“I just had me and my buddies,” he tells me of his early hip-hop experience. “We just had keyboards and karaoke machines, and we would just record ourselves. It was very basic stuff; we used to loop beats on the end of songs and just rap over them. Then we got some keyboards, and some drum machines.”

Slowly but surely, through trial and error, he honed his craft. He says for the first four or five years, he didn’t sample anything to make his beats. He just got to work with those keyboards and drum machines.

“The difference from the first to the fourth year was noticeably better. I still had some pretty bad habits, but it did set the groundwork really well for when I did start sampling and getting into remixing and really chopping stuff up. Then when I got to college, I started using digital programs and from there I haven’t gone back.”

This exposure to digital recording left a lasting

impression, and to this day it is his preferred method. He maintains that there is some really awesome analog gear out there, and he knows a lot of people who use it. For whatever reason though, even when he’s had the opportunity to use some really good analog equipment, it just hasn’t clicked for him the way computers did.

“I’ve bought different pieces of equipment over the years,” he says. “I even have one now: an MPC (Music Production Center), which is really awesome, and it’s like a standalone production unit. But, I still tend to just go back to the computer keyboard and mouse. It’s just what I like.” It is the tool that chose him, not unlike Mjolnir to Thor or Excalibur to King Arthur.

by James Mullen

Digital production was far from the only thing he was exposed to during his studies: “I was a Music Industry major [at SUNY Oneonta], and then I did an Audio Arts minor. Some of it was production, some of it was studio stuff, some

“I'm just a believer that music is an honest expression. It's what you're feeling, it's who you are. I've never looked at it in a way where I want to do something because I think somebody else might like it, it's just not how I've done it. I’ve just always made music. I still have a core of what I stick to, and I couldn't really deviate even if I wanted to.”

of it was theory, some of it was business,” he tells me, breaking down how well-rounded his education was. Even so, industries are always shifting and that never rings more true than in music and entertainment.

“When I went from 2003 to 2007, it was when everything was changing in music. So, a lot of what I was learning when I was there was almost antiquated by the time I left. I had great teachers, I learned a lot, but I couldn’t really apply it to anything. Times change fast.”

Music is notorious for being in a constant state of change, a sort of arms race in which every artist, even the most non-competitive ones, are being influenced by current trends and trying to raise their game among their peers. Hip hop especially has shifted dramatically over the course of the last 20 years. Despite this, Ab the Audicrat’s sound has remained fairly consistent over time.

“A lot of my sound is not too different from when I started,” he says. “I think I have somewhat of a

signature sound that has been pretty consistent throughout the years, with a bit of stylistic changes here and there.”

He chalks some of that up to his influences, such as DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, and Jedi Mind Tricks. “There are so many ways rap music has changed, but in a way, a lot of what I still listen to hasn’t much.”

Even as music changes and grows through different eras, staying true to himself is what keeps Ab consistent and fulfilled as an artist. He tells me of a Rick Rubin interview he enjoyed in which Rubin claims he does not make music for the listener, but rather encourages artists to make what they think sounds good.

“I’m just a believer that music is an honest expression. It’s what you’re feeling, it’s who you are. I’ve never looked at it in a way where I want to do something because I think somebody else might like it, it’s just not how I’ve done it. I’ve just always made music. I still have a core of what I stick to, and I couldn’t really deviate even if I wanted to.”

Passion and integrity is the hallmark of an independent artist; they’re almost nonnegotiable. It takes an even greater sense of integrity to be an alcohol-free performer in an industry that can seemingly revolve around alcohol at times, which is a position that Ab the Audicrat has been in for the past six years.

After his first couple of years sober, he began to wonder why there wasn’t more available to sober people in the adult beverage community.

“I was looking for ways to find some good drinks, but there wasn’t a whole lot out there. Then within the past couple years, the industry just went nuts and really started exploding with [non-alcoholic beers]; same thing with wine, and mocktails in a can. It’s just endless.”

This sudden explosion in options for sober people who wanted something stronger than a soda gave him an idea on how he could engage in a new creative outlet that was original, entertaining, and fun: he would launch a YouTube series reviewing non-alcoholic beverages, titled Miss Beer.

“This kind of sparked from my love of craft beer and wanting to keep drinking those without getting drunk,” he continues. “The demand is there; I think a lot of people just don’t even think it’s an option to not drink. It’s like, woven into the culture.”

He maintains that there’s no problem with drinking responsibly, but that there are many benefits to non-alcoholic beverages that even alcohol aficionados can enjoy.

“Knowing that people can just, you know, throw in a mocktail or an NA beer, I would think more people are going to start gravitating towards that. They’re just becoming more available, and they taste fantastic.”

I Miss Beer is made up of one-minute episodes, which was carefully considered. “I thought about it for a while too,” he said, “because I didn’t know how I wanted to do it. I’ve seen channels on YouTube where people are reviewing beer, and they get really into it, and they talk about all the complexities. I didn’t really want to do that. I wanted to make something that was quick, something that somebody can focus on for a second and then move on.”

He also thought long and hard about the rating scale before settling on a 10-point rating system. However, he’s not out to bury anyone with a terrible review.

cook it bad. With a beer, it’s in a can or a bottle and it’s gonna be the same no matter where you are. It’s never really gonna be foul, it’s never gonna be old. In theory, it wouldn’t be released, right? There’s way more control over making sure that it’s presentable or somewhat good.”

Whether it’s making his own fresh beats, collaborating with other local artists, creating content around non-alcoholic beverages, or producing and filming a web series, the throughline that connects it all is Ab the Audicrat’s authenticity and consistency. In other words, you can count on him to keep it real. He is truly the genuine article, pursuing his passions for no other reason than the fact that they are his passions and letting them lead him down his artistic path. He wears the hats of rapper, producer, and content creator and wears them with style and finesse.

I Miss Beer is four weeks into its second season after a ten-week first season, and can be found on both YouTube and Instagram at @imissbeer. You can also follow Ab the Audicrat and keep up with his music on Spotify, Apple Music and other music streaming platforms as well as on Instagram at @abtheaudicrat.

| venue spotlight

Arthur Zankel Music Center by Sarah Michelle Sherman

Located on the scenic Skidmore College campus in Saratoga, the Arthur Zankel Music Center serves as a lively hub for creativity and inclusivity in the Capital Region. Since opening its doors in 2010, this state-of-theart facility has transformed into a destination for both the Skidmore community and regional arts enthusiasts, offering performances that span genres, cultures, and disciplines.

Named after Arthur Zankel, a generous philanthropist whose profound commitment to the arts shaped this venue’s mission, the center is so much more than just a performance space. With its acoustically pristine 600-seat concert hall and versatile ensemble rooms, it is a testament to Zankel’s vision of fostering artistic excellence and accessibility. The center also reflects his son, Jimmy’s (now a trustee) commitment to honoring his father’s legacy, ensuring that the venue’s programming evolves to meet the diverse needs

of the Skidmore and Saratoga communities.

Under the leadership of director Zhenelle LeBel since 2022, the Zankel Music Center has embraced an ambitious transformation.

Historically aligned with classical music, its programming has been expanded to include jazz, hip-hop, world music, and experimental sounds. This shift reflects a deliberate effort to make the center more representative and accessible to today’s audiences.

“When I came in…one of the first

things I observed was like, where are the people of color? Where are the other kinds of music?,” LeBel shared. “I looked back at past programming and tried to figure out how it had become like this and how it could be different. And in parallel, I was talking to many different arts-invested people in the community and hearing, over and over, that it was a waste of potential.”

Through initiatives like the Mosaic Music Series, featuring artists such as Tank and the Bangas and Melanie Charles, the Zankel Music Center has become a platform

Photo credit: Kiki Vassilakis

for underrepresented voices and innovative collaborations. LeBel’s efforts have already yielded profound impacts, with students and community members expressing their gratitude for the space and all it offers.

One key partner in this transformation has been Collectiveffort, a creative agency in the Capital Region. In speaking of the collaboration, president of Collectiveffort, Patrick Harris Jr., shared, “When LeBel took on the leadership of the Zankel Music Center and shared her enthusiasm for transforming it into a hub for local creatives and emerging artists to connect and collaborate, it was an easy decision for us. Our missions align deeply in that regard, so partnering with the Zankel Music Center felt like a natural fit.”

Harris credits the partnership’s success to shared values and the trust Zankel’s team placed in Collectiveffort’s approach to outreach and community building.

“Our goal has always been to build a sustainable creative economy, which starts with investing in the

local creative community. This focus has allowed us to form strong relationships with creatives not just in the Capital Region but across the country. Maintaining those relationships over time is all about being open and supportive. Often, that’s all it takes. A simple commitment to showing up and engaging with the community goes a long way in keeping those connections strong.”

The Zankel Music Center isn’t just about providing space for extraordinary performances—it’s about accessibility. Most events are free or offered at a low cost, ensuring that financial barriers don’t deter potential attendees. With initiatives like the intimate Surround Series, audiences can experience Grammy-caliber artists in a “living room” setting for as little as $20.

“There’s all of these opportunities to try something for no money or very little money,” LeBel explained, “and walk away different than you were before.”

The Surround Series is a perfect example of this, offering a rare concert experience that seats

audiences onstage with the artist for an immersive performance that invites reflection and resonance, bridging deeply personal moments with expansive, universal themes.

Whether you’re a Skidmore student exploring global musical traditions, a local arts enthusiast, or simply someone curious about experiencing something new, the Arthur Zankel Music Center has

something for you. With stunning architecture, world-class acoustics, and innovative programming, it’s more than a venue—it’s a space that honors the past while shaping the future through creativity and inclusion.

For more information about upcoming events, visit https://www.skidmore.edu/zankel

Photo credit: Kiki Vassilakis

Photo credit: Michael Valiquette

If you want to add your dates to our calendars (music, theater, film, poetry, visual arts or any other event) PLEASE email everybody@themetroland.com for the best way to help us help you!

All Theatres

All Seats $7 All Day Every Tuesday

290 Delaware Ave Albany

• Beer, Wine and Cocktails COMING SOON!

• Real Butter served over Fresh, Hot Popcorn

• Featuring the best in Independent & Foreign Film! Great titles coming in January: I’M STILL HERE,THE ROOM NEXT DOOR SEPTEMBER 5, BETTER MAN, HARD TRUTHS THE LAST SHOWGIRL and much more!

MOVIELAND

400 State Street, Schenectady

• Beer, Wine and Cider available

• FREE VALIDATED PARKING in Broadway Garage

• Real Butter served over Fresh, Hot Popcorn

• Chicken Tenders, Mozzarella Sticks, Personal Pizzas, and more available!

WILTON MALL CINEMAS & THE BIG SCENE

3065 State Rte 50 Saratoga Springs

• Beer, Wine and Cocktails Now Available

• Acres of free, lighted parking

• Lowest ticket & concession prices in Saratoga Cty!

• Real Butter served over Fresh, Hot Popcorn

• Chicken Tenders, Mozzarella Sticks, Personal Pizzas, and more available!

SCENE ONE E-GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE AT www.scene1ent.com!

| listen here

Big Lettuce Pleasure Island

There is always an air of “expect the unexpected” when doing album reviews. It’s a fairly accepted fact that opinions on a song, or group of songs, will change over time. Whether that solidifies one’s love of a piece of music, or makes them retroactively cringe at something that used to spark joy, it changes.

Within the first few seconds of Pleasure Island, the latest album from Big Lettuce, it became apparent that every time it is heard, this music will most certainly make listeners bump their heads. Beginning with a simple piano loop, some hand claps and a choir of voices, the fervor that was about to come was evident immediately. With the familiar “Fan-taco-tastic” that has become

by Andy Scullin

a staple call-back for Big Lettuce, the elevensong auditory journey had begun.

Not only is opener “Self Care” an absolute club banger, but the message held within is refreshingly positive. Taking care of yourself, loving yourself and being comfortable with who you are is all very important, and it is refreshing to hear that message tucked away in a song whose surface intention seems to be to just make you dance.

As track one blends into track two, the tempo and fist-pumping bass do not let up at all, but the lyrics go from the uplifting message of taking care of oneself, to the more risque topic of, let’s say, taking care of someone else. Fun, flirty, and definitely not safe for work, “Nice Shoes” does not mince words when stating intention in the narrative, but the drive of the beat and melodic layers ensure that this track is unskippable.

One standout track is “Cherryzero” with a feature from Yung Alfredo, a constant collaborator with Big Lettuce, who appears on a couple of songs on Pleasure Island. The back and forth between the two MCs is immaculate. Witty, and at times comical, neither vocalist outshines the other. Instead, they are in a tight syncopation, serving the song to its fullest.

“Shoulda Been a Cowboy” keeps up the tempo and steady thumping beat, but this time adds some acoustic guitar, fiddles and even a whistle straight out of a Sergio Leone spaghettiwestern.

“Star69,” again featuring Yung Alfredo, kicks off a sequence of less club-centric songs, with just a hint of some smooth slow-jams, without ever letting the BPMs dip too low.

The ability to explore different themes and genres, while never letting you forget that this is a

Big Lettuce album, is one of the many factors that will have you listening to this album on repeat. It’s an obvious choice for a dance party, but also the perfect companion to keep you going on a long road trip.

Not onl are there moments of masterful anthemic dance grooves, but also fun guitars and bass lines that would fit right in at the peak of the disco era. Coupled with the sharp, hyper-sexual lyrics and a flagrant disregard for anything that isn’t high energy and deviantly fun, Pleasure Island is sure to be heard at house parties and on dance floors for years to come.

Full of great songs, that not only have charm, wit, and a carefree youthfulness, but also a lingering sense of adulthood and knowledge that the party can’t last forever, Pleasure Island has already earned a place in 518 history.

If I had to wrap up this album with one, hyphenated word, it would definitely be “Fantaco-tastic.”

Photo credit: Yung Alfredo

| listen here

The Sugar Hold QUICKIE

There are many universal truths in this area, from musings about bipolar seasonal weather, to Stewart’s ice cream superiority, to a communal hatred for Live Nation. But there’s really only one universal truth within the local music scene, and that is “Nobody Has More Fun Than The Sugar Hold.”

It’s the motto the quintet has adopted like a badge of honor, and they apply it to virtually everything they do. From their matching concert

attire, to their eccentric-yet-adorable photo shoots, to writing songs about pleasures as simple as cheeseburgers. From the outside, one might get the impression they’re a rough and rowdy crew, trying to squeeze every last drop out of the party. But here’s the dirty little secret: they’re some of the nicest, most down-to-earth folks you’ll ever meet.

Sure, this may have very little to do with their new EP, QUICKIE, but it felt worth iterating in order to paint a picture. Both on stage and on recording, the band’s goal is simple: help people have a good time and take care of them in the process. Sure, their last full-length SWEET opened with a song called “Get F’d Up,” a crowd-pleasing singalong about, well… I’m sure you can figure it out. But one of the things I took away from it is that not everything has to mean something, and since

by TJ Foster

the world can often feel really fucking heavy… there’s a lot of beauty in that.

That’s all to say, in a time of relative turmoil and uncertainty, maybe some new music from our scene’s most fun-loving band is just what the doctor ordered.

From the opening minute of “Olga,” it’s clear The Sugar Hold have upped the ante from last year’s SWEET. Everything is a bit more neat and tidy, a clear result of having spent so much time together on stage by now. The song sets the tone nicely for the surf-rock-sprinkled-with-blues vibes that envelop the entire collection – honestly, the whole thing makes you wonder if the band was transported here from another decade and given access to a plethora of modern equipment.

To take that one step further, it’s also worth noting just how much the band has stepped up their vocal arrangement game, with Beach Boys-lite background vocal sections taking QUICKIE to new heights, particularly on album closer, “i’m fine”. The parts meticulously weave in and out of each other, increasing in intensity as the track moves along to the point where they’re about as prominent as the lead vocal. It’s so effective; producer David Rockower certainly does a fantastic job with not only these arrangements, but in bringing out the best in the band’s performances across the board,

Photo credit: Brian Barker

and coating them all in a satisfying sheen.

But what especially sets The Sugar Hold apart from other bands in this genre is their attention to rhythmic detail, often offering subtle flourishes within sections of a song that might even go unnoticed on first listen. EP highlight “well qualified” is a great example of this, with a relatively straightforward, shuffling feel occasionally interrupted with offbeat accents to effectively direct listeners into the chorus. At just over 2:00, it’s the shortest tune in the bunch, but vocalist Mikey Baish has never sounded stronger. If you’re looking for the cliff notes answer to ‘What Makes The Sugar Hold So Great?’, “well qualified” is it, all wrapped up in a neat little package. This one is sure to be a live favorite from here on out.

Between the earworm riffs, the chantworthy vocals, and the groupclapping sections, QUICKIE is a clear invitation to party with The Sugar Hold. And for my money, there’s only one way to RSVP: leave a message at the beep with a resounding “YES!”.

The QUICKIE EP is out now on all major streaming services as well as Bandcamp.

| hot singles

in your area december

Each month, we recap the hottest singles released by local artists on our site. Here’s a list of what the 518 delivered in November – be sure to scan that QR code to read more about – and stream! – each tune.

Atelo Songs - "Eat the Rich"

Canella - "Groomer"

AB the Audicrat & XKwisit (feat. Albany Lou) - "Run It"

Amanda Case - "Good Girl"

Doctor Baker - "Noise I Have To Hear"

Julia Alsarraf - "Slow Burn"

Camtron5000 x Liketheastronaut - "Till It's Over"

Yeah Universe - "Sweeter"

Watch Reggie Run - "Bright Lights on Christmas Night"

Tops of Trees - "Light On"

Bloodx3 - "Farewell to Flesh"

Angelina Valente - "take me back"

Photo credit: Brian Barker

| ask becky

by Becky Daniels

Becky Daniels is the Founder and Chief Romance Officer of Micropolitan Matchmakers, the first locally-based singles event and matchmaking company in the Capital Region. Each month, Becky tackles reader questions about dating and relationships. Submit your question to askbecky@themetroland.com

Q: My best friend just got engaged and I’m starting to feel like the last single person in the world. Or, at least in my friend group, anyway. No one is trying to leave me out, but I’m starting to feel left behind. And, as much as I’m really happy and excited for her, I also feel a little bit lonely and bummed out, too. I don’t want to be a downer during all of the celebrations, but I’m just trying to figure out how to balance feeling down with being there - and being happy - for my friend. What can I do?

– Still Single in Schenectady

Dear Still Single,

You are not alone! ‘Tis the season for engagements and I am sure there are quite a lot of readers feeling similarly. It’s really difficult when you want to feel that excitement and happiness, but loneliness still creeps in. And when you layer guilt for feeling bad on top of all that - it’s a recipe for not feeling very good.

One of the most important things you can do first is to give yourself a break. All of your feelings are valid and multiple things can be true at the same time (you can feel lonely AND happy for your friend at the same time). Giving yourself space to feel and process all of those feelings is really critical. Journal, meditate, draw, talk to another trusted friend

or family member – whatever you need to express those feelings and get them off your chest.

After giving your feelings a chance to breathe, there are some other things you can do to counter your loneliness (that are not just going back on a dating app). Get yourself out to some local events! There are a ton of workshops, classes and singles events in our community. Sign up to do something new and go into it with an open mind. Adding some new friends to your circle could result in new potential romantic connections and, at the very least, will give you more people to go out and do things with (again increasing those chances of meeting more new potential matches!).

There are times when it may help to talk to your friend and be honest with them. But, don’t bring it up during anything to do with their celebrations. Planning the shower? Having some girl time on the bachelorette? Don’t bring it up then. Let her have her moments in the spotlight during those celebrations. For that conversation, bring it up when it’s just you two and you’re doing something unrelated to the wedding when you have some space to talk about your feelings. Also, do not say that her wedding is the cause for your feelings - it’s not. Her wedding is highlighting some

of your feelings about wanting to find your own special person.

And, finally? Have some fun! All of these wedding celebrations are also great opportunities to meet new people - whether it’s other friends of the bride or groom, or people you meet along the way. You’ll be dressed up and having fun quite a bit - so let yourself look and feel great and you never know who you might connect with while you celebrate!

Q: I ran into my ex at a holiday party, and she looked amazing. We didn’t hook up, but we talked a lot. It felt really good - like it did when we first started dating. We’ve texted a little bit since and I keep wondering if we made a mistake breaking up. I can’t even really remember why we broke up, it was so long ago. She’s single too, should I ask her out?

– Nostalgic in Niskayuna

Nostalgic -

There is so much unknown in your question, which makes it hard to answer. But, I would start with really trying to jog your memory for why you broke up. It doesn’t sound like it was something big or traumatic like infidelity - but all

breakups do happen for a reason. Did one person want to be married or have kids and the other didn’t? Was there some other difference of values or beliefs that became insurmountable? If any of those are the case and those circumstances have not changed? You would likely be setting yourself (and her!) up for disappointment.

The romantic in me, though, would love to tell you that sometimes circumstances change and people evolve and it could work out. Which is definitely true! But, that said, I would still very much proceed with caution and curiosity.

If you do decide to investigate the possibility, ask a lot of questions. Both of her and yourself. How have you changed and evolved? What are your relationship goals? What things from your previous relationship would you want to keep? What things would need to change?

With some great honesty and great communication - anything is possible! I’d love for you to keep us posted on how it goes!

| december snapshots

a

visual journey across the capital district

by Elissa Ebersold, Debi Gustafson, Tom Miller and Kiki Vassilakis

| december snapshots

a

visual journey across the capital district

by Elissa Ebersold, Debi Gustafson, Tom Miller and Kiki Vassilakis

Prince Daddy & The Hyena at The Hangar on the Hudson by Natalie St. Denis

There was a packed house at The Hangar on the Hudson in Troy on 2024’s final Friday the 13th. Prince Daddy & The Hyena performed a sold-out show that was nothing short of a transcendental punk rock experience.

The quartet saw support from Albany-based hardcore band, Halo Bite, who rocked the stage first. The crowd’s moshing and high energy from the very start of the opener’s set all the way through to the end was a clear indication of the lively night to come.

Lead vocalist J. Kaiser shredded the room with powerful vocals. Dedicated to the art, Kaiser could be seen turning around momentarily to take a few puffs of an inhaler before pivoting right back to the

mic to keep the hype going.

Prince Daddy & The Hyena then took the stage and brought the heat at first guitar shred, multi-colored holiday string lights weaved up and down the wooden wall behind them. Also from the Albany area, the four members of the punk group were certified hypemen, encouraging the full audience to come closer to the stage and keep jumping.

The band presented an undeniable comfortability on stage, both musically and conversationally, including relatable banter after taking a sip of Diet Coke between songs: “Shoutout to Diet Coke; I could get used to this stuff...” Another member: “Yeah you’re a Pepsi guy.” Then, in a high pitched voice, playfully poking fun at the popular Costco Guys duo on TikTok: “We’re Costco guys!” – a

the crowd.

Prince Daddy & The Hyena boasted a polished sound throughout the night. Lead singer Kory Gregory’s voice sported a melodic, captivating range, while still staying true to the classic emo whine. The band’s other constituents–guitarist

And the packed-in crowd? Well, they were eating it up. A mosh pit grew to swallow almost the whole audience, with stragglers from the back of the room zig zagging around on-lookers to join in on the fun. The disco ball that hung overhead reflected the pinballing bodies. Fans could also be heard singing along to songs, with especially loud voices during “I

“They demonstrated how to be classic punk rockers and shred with precision, but unafraid to chill things out, just to pick it back up again with the tease of a scream.”

Cameron Hanford, drummer Daniel Gorham and bassist Jordan Chmielowski–each were locked into their respective zones, contributing their piece to the distinctive sound of Prince Daddy & The Hyena.

Forgot to Take My Meds Today,” a seemingly popular, relatable Gen Z favorite.

New tunes were also performed, some of which slowed things down a bit. But regardless, they

joke that got scattered chuckles from the chronically online folks in

Photo credit: Pete Gregory

Photo credit: Pete Gregory

were still well-received by listeners – shoutout to the guy next to me who waved his lighter to-and-fro in the air during one of them. Prince Daddy & The Hyena certainly showcased their multidimensional sound that offers something for everyone. They demonstrated how to be classic punk rockers and shred with precision, but unafraid to chill things out, just to pick it back up again with the tease of a scream.

Lastly, American emo band Free Throw closed out the night. Despite not being local like Prince Daddy & The Hyena and Halo Bite, they still won over the audience right away, exclaiming “I fucking love New York, and I’m not talking about New York City” – that’s the representation us Upstaters like to see.

From the start of the Nashville natives’ set, Hot Mulligan’s Tades Sanville could be seen at sidestage, before coming out to help perform “A Part Is Better Than Zero.”

The youngest of the earlier crowd stuck around to hear Free Throw rock, many seeming to be devoted fans, screaming along, hands thrown in the air, like a big, emo sing-along rendezvous. Crowd

surfers and moshers were in fullswing as the night grew later and riffs remained thunderous as Free Throw ended the night.

While many likely left The Hangar with ringing in their ears, Prince Daddy & The Hyena fans were also

able to venture into the wintery night buzzing with the satisfaction of a rocking set from the Albany favorite, who has been getting increasingly popular, having toured around the country this past year, as well as internationally. But hopefully, the

support from area locals that turned out in numbers that night for a long sold out show will keep the soughtafter punk group returning home for performances to come.

Tune Low Die Slow Ho Ho 2024 Festival at Empire Live by Dana Brady | live

The Acacia Strain played the first of a highly anticipated, annual two-day festival, “Tune Low Die Slow Ho Ho” at Empire Live on December 6 and 7. The group headlined both nights with sweeping support from an array of local talent including Carnwennan, Prize, Bad Impressions, Invoke Thy Wrath, Brick by Brick, Cold Kiss, and Spiritkiller out of Albany and Troy, Pure Bliss out of Syracuse, and Mindforce from the Hudson Valley. In addition to the local support, Year of the Knife made

play both nights to fill in night two after Sanguisugabogg, Volcano, and Balmora all had to drop off the original lineup.

From the stage, a huge inflatable holiday scene complete with fake snow surrounded members of the Acacia Strain as they played to a rabid audience. This whimsical storybook scene juxtaposed with the sound of crushingly heavy riffs, stage dives, and relentless drum beats was funny enough, but the Acacia Strain really does love the holiday season. Between

their return to touring following a devastating van accident in June of 2023 that left vocalist Madi Watkins in a medically induced coma as well as injuring other members of the band. No Cure kindly opted to

sets, holiday-themed ska music was piped through the speakers at Empire Live (another unexpected and striking contrast) but amongst all of this off-beat wild silliness, vocalist Vincent Bennett gave a

heartfelt and sincere thanks to all the bands and everyone who showed up to see them play throughout their set. He expressed his deep gratitude to those working to keep metal and hardcore in the

upstate area alive and encouraged others to “start a band tomorrow.”

Music festivals like Tune Low… do more than just get people excited for the existing bands they already love; they also serve to reinvigorate

Photo credit: Stu McDonald

Flyer credit: Jack Jackal

what can sometimes feel like a stale “boys club” within the scene. This sentiment isn’t limited to just the metal and hardcore genre, either; it exists in a variety of music and art scenes. Bennett’s words and encouragement landed in a place that felt meaningful, especially I imagine, for younger fans and concert-goers. The hardcore ethos means different things to different people, but the overall tone of Tune Low… felt like one of positivity, support, and community–”community” being a term that gets somewhat overused

when applied to music scenes and creative spaces.

Still, upstate New York hardcore and metal remains a tight knit circle after all these decades and it’s one where everyone knows everybody, for better or for worse. Bennett’s message to keep it going will likely spur others to feel that maybe they too can participate and make room within an already well-established, yet continuously evolving, scene. The entirety of the night was live streamed on Bennett’s Twitch channel for those who couldn’t experience the show in person.

When Mindforce took the stage for night two, the crowd surged over their shredding guitar solos and the commanding taunts of vocalist Jason P. The group is known for their fast paced, metal and punkinspired sound, which whipped an already electrified audience up into a frenzy of elbows, knees, and flailing arms, all pressed right up against the front of the stage. If you had something to release and sweat out that night, this was your moment to thrash it out.

Along with the bands, several local vendors were involved with

the event and featured specialty items named for the festival, which played on the Acacia Strain’s two best-known hits “Bog Walker” and “Cauterizer”. These vendors included Wizard Burger’s “B’Dog Walker” burger, Darling Doughnuts’ featured donuts also named after both songs, Kickstart Coffee Company’s Bog Walker Blend Coffee, and Tin Bridge Brewing Company’s Impaler IPA.

You can watch the livestream of Tune Low Die Slow on Bennett’s Twitch channel (VinnyBenny) and YouTube.

Photo credit: Stu McDonald

Photo credit: Stu McDonald

"retro | metro checks in with metroland staffers of yore" by Erin Harkes

For this month’s Retro Metro, Erin sat with former Metroland Staffer John Rodat! They discussed Metroland of yore, ethical fox abductions, disco, cocaine and how much they’d pay to see a drunk Taylor Swift. Rodat is a writer, filmmaker, songwriter and performer living somewhere in the picturesque rut of the Hudson Valley, not far from the northern reach of the brackish estuary. He, too, is a tidal phenomenon, combining the salubrious clarity of a mountain stream, the salty tang of oceanic depths and sometimes a tire or a boot or a bobbing bottle containing just the dregs of sweet hobo wine. He’s also got a book out now called G.E.N.I.U.S. & Magic (Chronicles of Maybia) available on Amazon! To hear the full interview, listen to the Mistress of None podcast wherever you stream podcasts!

ERIN HARKES: Hello and welcome to The Mistress of None here at the beautiful Blake Annex studios in downtown Albany. My guest today is John Rodat. John, how are you?

JOHN RODAT: I’m doing very well, thank you, Erin. Thank you for having me here. I’m excited to have this conversation. It’s about two topics that I feel strongly and passionately about: Metroland and me.

EH: Oh, perfect. All right, well, we’re off to a great start then. Thank you very much for finding the time to come and sit with me. I reached out to you a while ago when I was thinking about doing all of these things. I wanted to definitely talk to everybody as much as I could who had previously worked with Metroland. I want to obviously capture the positive essence of it in the best way I can. And I think it’s so important to stay connected to people from the past. We know each other tangentially through the scene; it’s a small community. So, you know, we all know of one another…

JR: We all have awareness of one another if we haven’t been in one another’s immediate orbits.

EH: So tell me about your history with Metroland.

JR: Well, I sort of stumbled into it. Despite having been a writer to some extent, or at least an aspiring writer, prior to getting hooked up with Metroland, my published history in the immediate area was with a competitor. There were some other papers, as old people – ‘legacy humans’ – might remember. I was not employed by this competitor, but a friend of mine freelanced for them, I believe, and he was in a band. And so that paper would not cover him. Well, he couldn’t cover himself, essentially. So he asked me if I would cover his band for that paper. And I said, yeah, sure. There’s no way I’m going to write a bad review of my good friend. This is like a crazy form of nepotism, but it got me a byline, and then I continued to write for them. That magazine was called The Source, a sort of shortlived competitor, though at times pretty good.

At some point, I forget the exact details, but I think I was brought into the orbit of the Metroland people. I became friendly with them, saw them at shows, etc. And then I got an invitation to go write for them.

EH: And what year was this?

JR: That probably would have been in the mid-90s.

EH: A quick side note, though, just for clarification. I can’t write about my own band?

JR: I think that rule is flexible.

became editor. Well, he was editor in the 80s, and I forget when he became publisher as well.

EH: I thought that Peter had said that he left in ‘95 or something like that. That’s why I was trying to put that together.

EH: Okay. I think it better be.

JR: Yeah. And I believe you actually have the title of mistress. That implies some authority. I think you can do whatever the hell you want.

EH: That’s all I needed to know. Okay, so mid-90s, you came on, right? Was that right around the time that Steve took over or…?

JR: No, that was. I believe the timeline was much earlier. I think he

JR: I believe Peter left earlier. I never worked directly with Peter Iselin, the founder of the paper. I believe that Steve was editor under Peter and that at some point, for various financial reasons, the paper was up for grabs and Steve, with some investors, bought the paper. So he became the publisher as well as the editor in chief. So when I began, Steve was my editor, my boss. He was the publisher.

EH: Now, what was your writing

primarily focused on?

JR: I came in as a music writer and remained so for a while. But if I remember correctly, early on when I started to speak with Steve about the possibility of coming on full time, he asked if I was capable and interested in writing about other things. And I said, I can write about anything for money.

EH: I love that. I wasn’t expecting the last two words. I mean, I should have expected the last two words, but thank you. That was wonderful.

JR: As it happened, my interests were compatible with what he was looking for at that time, and were compatible with Metroland generally. When I came on, it was predominantly an arts and culture focused magazine. There was some political writing, I think. But the personality of the paper which you referenced, I think is really interesting; even in my time there as a freelancer, then as a fulltime person, and then again as a freelancer, it changed every time there was an addition to the staff. Every time there was a subtraction from the staff, it shifted subtly in some cases, or really significantly in other cases.

I think if you took a paper from 1993, from 2002, they seem like dramatically different papers, never mind how it existed in the very early days. If you look at those papers from the 80s when Peter was at the helm, it had a fundamentally different character and presentation. In part that’s because Metroland, I think, always strived to be a reflection of the culture. And that, of course, changes. So at one point, it’s essentially a disco and cocaine magazine.

EH: And Peter did admit that it was all about disco when he first started and that he essentially used it to pick up chicks.

JR: Yeah. They had, I believe it was a fox of the month.

EH: Paul Rapp was telling me about the fox of the month. He toyed with the notion of bringing that back, and I believe he selfvetoed himself.

JR: I think it’s a great idea. I think. I think it just has to be an actual fox. You know, a different fox every month.

EH: I believe that was addressed. But let’s not give it all away. We have to keep some of this brainstorming under wraps so it could be a great reveal. So if you know of a fox…

JR: An actual fox, humanely captured or borrowed or this has to be entirely consensual because this is a different era.

EH: Yes. We can’t just take pictures of foxes.

JR: No. Do not steal any foxes. Do not kidnap a fox.

EH: Anyway, how long were you with Metroland?

JR: I think I started, as I said, in the mid-90s. I came on board full time as an editor, I think, in 2000. And then I was there for five years as a full-time student, I think leaving as a senior associate editor, whatever that means. And then I continued to freelance with them until the paper closed. So more than a decade.

EH: Yeah. I mean, they closed in 2015.

JR: All right, so quite a bit more than a decade, in fact.

EH: Impressive.

JR: Or codependent.

To hear the entire interview, visit The Mistress of None at themetroland.com/podcasts!

| preview

David Greenberger @ UPH by Metroland Staff

On Sunday January 19th, join Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga for an exclusive event with David Greenberger and The Huckleberries. Commissioned specifically for you, “Universal Preservation” is a showcase of the magic that lies in the art of conversation. With a specialty in sparking lively and spontaneous

dialogue with everyone he meets, Greenberger’s latest artistic venture is a playground of conversation filled with knock-knock jokes, not-so-rhetorical questions and observations about the world akin to that of a child’s imagination and wonder.

You will not be hearing this wellseasoned musician sing throughout “Universal Preservation.” Instead, you will be transported from character to character, guided by Greenberger’s vivid storytelling

abilities. Greenberger defies the bounds of genre, dipping a toe into varying styles that match the vast array of conversation he curates in his musical vignettes. Each track utilizes a different set of instruments to accurately capture a musical reflection of the words being spoken. A bouncy, sunny keyboard tune accompanies one’s description of the odd jobs they went to day to day as a teen. A blast of a trumpet accessorizes the description of a beautiful lady from way back when.

Greenberger’s approach to interviewing is a well-rehearsed and unique dance with each conversation partner. He is not an interviewer, but rather a conversationalist who turns every exchange into a one-of-a-kind event. The result? An enchanting, vivid tale every time, making each conversation as distinctive as each of his conversation partners and allowing the listener to walk in the shoes of each character.

For tickets, please visit https://tickets.proctors.org.

| preview

sounding off by

Erin Harkes

On January 4th, Caffè Lena soundman Joe Deuel is set to take the stage for a special event, where he will share stories from his extensive time at the iconic venue and showcase photographs he has taken throughout his tenure.

This date holds great significance, as it marks Lena’s 102nd birthday and the 65th anniversary year of the caffè itself.

Deuel’s journey began with his first visit to Caffè Lena in the winter of 1972-1973 during his senior year of high school. In a moment of serendipity, he bumped into some friends on Phila Street that were “going up to see Lena.” He claims they dragged him along. He experienced the powerful performance of Utah Phillips and even though he was taken there against his will, he was going to stay for good.

It was after that he began shooting photos in the caffè and in 1987 he started volunteering in the kitchen. By the following year, Lena recognized his potential and pulled him away from dishwashing one night to help set up a microphone for an act. At that time, the sound system was rudimentary, consisting of only four channels with bass and treble controls.

For the last two years of Lena’s life, Deuel took on the responsibility of managing

the sound for every performance. He humorously likened his role to becoming the treasurer of a nonprofit, suggesting that such a commitment felt like a lifetime appointment.

Despite his long tenure behind the soundboard, Deuel revealed he never aspired to this position. His true passion lay in photography.

For many years, Deuel worked for Caffè Lena without any pay, only earning a wage after significant renovations and fundraising efforts revitalized the venue. He recalled financial struggles during those years, including limited budgets for essential supplies. The only individuals who received any compensation were Executive Director Sarah Craig (who worked tirelessly for the caffé) and, occasionally, a baker.

Photo credit: Joe Deuel

Photo credit: Joe Deuel

Over the years, the sound equipment gradually improved, culminating in the acquisition of a proper soundboard in the late 1980s. However, funding for additional enhancements often remained scarce. Deuel candidly mentioned that while some visiting sound engineers could produce impressive acoustics, they frequently left the sound too loud or harsh, eliciting cringes from Craig.

As Caffè Lena flourished, Deuel reflected on the community’s unwavering support for Lena, noting that landlords charged her less than market value for rent during a time of economic

decline in Saratoga Springs. The revival of the town began in the early 1990s as investment and community effort transformed the area into a vibrant and desirable community.

On January 4th, Deuel looks forward to sharing the stage with Craig for the event. He recalls a previous occasion when she celebrated her 30th anniversary at Caffe Lena and how they engaged in lively discussions with interviewer Vivian Nesbitt. He anticipates some friendly banter with Craig on stage as they recount their shared experiences at the caffé – some likening that of an “old married couple”.

As he prepares for this upcoming event, Deuel is excited to reflect on his nearly 40-year journey with Caffè Lena, recalling the first act he ever worked with—Peppino D’Agostino, known as the “Italian guitar wizard.”

Through the years, Deuel’s connection to Caffè Lena has remained strong, shaped by memories, challenges, and the love of the community that has supported it for so long. He’s manned the board (on and off) for nearly 40 years now. As the event approaches, he feels both excitement and nostalgia for the rich history of the place he has come to call home.

| savage love

damaged goods

My husband and I have been together fifteen years and been through pretty much all of the ups and downs sexually that a monogamous relationship offers. Two years ago, my husband was in an accident and broke his back. The accident resulted in some mild-to-moderate nerve damage to his legs and a newfound case of premature ejaculation. I adore my husband and while toys normally help finish the job for me, I’m left wanting for our old sex life. I’m also worried about his satisfaction. His lack of endurance stresses him out and I end up feeling like it’s more important for me to fake an orgasm, so he doesn’t feel bad and worry about his performance.

He’s tried Cialis but it causes more nerve spasms than it’s worth. I’m at a loss. I’ve found very little in my research on back injuries and the effects on sexual functions and don’t know what else to do or where to look. I want to be satisfied like I used to be, but I also don’t want to broach the subject with my husband without having an action plan in place. He’s not as open about discussing things and definitely a sensitive soul. I just want to ride my husband like I used to and selfishly not worry about holding back for his sake. I know he wants the same. How the fuck do we get back there?

Back Where We Belong

“Sexual dysfunction due to back and spinal cord injuries are very common,” said Dr. Rachel Gelman, a physical therapist who lives and works in the Bay Area. “There are reports of premature or rapid ejaculation after back injuries, which makes sense: erections and ejaculation require a lot of systems to be working together well, one of which is the nervous system.”

So, if the nerves running to and from your husband’s cock were damaged or compromised during his accident, BWWB, is there anything that can be done?

“There are many treatment options available,” said Dr. Gelman. “I would strongly recommend having him consult a sexual medicine provider. The Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) and The International Sexual Medicine Society (ISSM) are great options to get resources and find a local provider. There are also sex therapists and counselors that can discuss exercises or strategies to address his PE.”

Dr. Gelman also had a few recommendations — a few sex sex tips — while your husband waits for his first appointment with a specialist.

“She could try having him wear a condom,” said Dr. Gelman, “the theory being that a condom can help reduce sensitivity and delay ejaculation. And if they want to spice things up — and justify the

condom — they could pretend they’re meeting for the first time and recreate their first few weeks of dating. Another option might be one of the various desensitizing ointments and creams that contain lidocaine available over the counter.”

Zooming out for a second: I’ve been on the receiving end of one or two of those desensitizing creams in my time, BWWB, and I strongly recommend very carefully applying it only to the last couple of inches of his hard dick before carefully rolling a condom over the whole thing. You wanna numb his dick, not your hole.

Zooming right back in: Even if your husband agrees to seek treatment, BWWB, and even if that treatment proves effective, the process is gonna take some time. So, this is how your husband’s dick works at least for the time being — and both Dr. Gelman and I think you should make the best of it.

“This could be an opportunity to play around with new routines and sexual activities,” said Dr. Gelman. “Try more toys — BWWB mentioned that toys are usually a win for her — and go slow and take more time to build things up. And sex doesn’t have to end just because he climaxed. Depending on how long his refractory period is, they could take a break, have a snack, and then go for round two. Or he could just focus on BWWB’s pleasure after his climax.

“And while I fully support BWWB’s

by Dan Savage

desire to ride her husband to her heart’s content like she used to,” said Dr. Gelman, “it’s important to remember that our bodies do change over time.”

Ideally, this process — we age, things change — is a gradual one, and we discover new tricks, new pleasures, and fun new ways of getting off. But when changes come fast, BWWB, their very swiftness can make it hard to adjust.

“I hear the distress this issue is causing for BWWB and her husband,” said Dr. Gelman, “and those feelings are perfectly understandable. But a reminder that stress and anxiety can be mood killers.”

So, in addition to asking your husband to see the doctors and do the work so he can maybe last longer again someday, you should invite your husband to do things he can nail right now: oral sex, mutual masturbation, internal and external vibrators, big and small strap-ons, etc. To build up his confidence again, BWWB, you need to put the focus on joy and pleasure — both of you do — and take the focus off penetration and endurance. And if you approach other routes to pleasure as good and possibly great sex and not as sad consolation prizes, BWWB, you can start having great sex again tonight.

Dr. Rachel Gelman is a pelvic floor specialist and a sexuality counselor. You can follow her on Instagram and Threads @pelvichealthsf and learn more about her work — and

pelvic health in general — at her website pelvicwellpt.com.

My fiancé is a lovely man, and we have a wonderful relationship. My mother is a difficult woman, and we have a complicated relationship. She followed my fiancé on Instagram after I introduced her to him, and then — after extensive sleuthing — she found his alt. My mom is now convinced my fiancé is abusing me because we’re into BDSM and she wants me to call the wedding off. This is rich coming from a woman who made zero effort to protect me and my sisters from any of the abusive men she married. My mother disinvited us for Christmas, which was frankly a relief, but now she’s threatening to send screenshots to my very Christian sisters and their husbands if I don’t break things off with my fiancé and “get mental help.” I worked hard to reestablish a relationship with my sisters in adulthood (I’m the youngest, they left home as soon as they could) and I’m afraid I won’t have any family at all when this is over. How do I navigate this?

Boy’s Disturbingly Shitty Mom

Your mom has a weapon in her hands right now — screenshots of your fiancé’s alt — and there’s only one way to disarm her: tell your sisters everything. You don’t have to send them screenshots of your own or (God forbid) links to your fiancé’s alt, BDSM, you only have to give them a rough but accurate outline: you and your fiancé are kinky, you shared some pictures on an obscure corner of the Internet, and your mom somehow managed to find them. Emphasize to your siblings that you wouldn’t be sharing these details about your sex life if your mother hadn’t invaded your quasi-privacy (you guys did share those pics publicly) and wasn’t now trying to blackmail you by threatening to send screenshots

to your sisters. If they’re upset to learn these facts about your sex life, BDSM, tell them to go yell at your mother. And if your sisters are judgmental about your kinks and/or concerned for your safety, BDSM, feel free to copy and paste this into your group chat: “BDSM is cops and robbers for grownups minus pants, plus orgasms — and studies have shown that adults who enjoy this kind of sex play with other consenting adults are just as emotionally healthy as people who do not. So, there’s no need to worry about me and the only person who should be ashamed of themselves right now is mom.”

Tell your sisters they can decide for themselves what, if anything, they wanna share with their husbands their husbands, their problem — and urge them not to open any emails or texts they get from mom with attached photos. Then send a long text to your mom: let mom know you told your sisters everything, let mom know you’re not breaking up with your fiancé, and let mom know — at least for the time being — she’s not invited to your wedding. Then let mom know you will call the actual cops (not the pretend ones) and press charges if she sends those screenshots to your sisters or anyone else. Most people who get arrested for revenge porn (“revealing sexually explicit images [with the] intent of causing distress or embarrassment”) are angry exes, BDSM, but revenge porn is a crime even when a parent does it. Let your mom know.

And finally, BDSM, you will have family when this is over. Because your soon-to-be husband and the people in your lives who love and support you — as individuals and a couple — are already your family. They may not be your family of origin, BDSM, but they’re definitely your family of destination. Don’t let what you might lose… and stand to benefit from losing… blind you to what you already have.

Got problems? Yes, you do! Email your question for the column to mailbox@savage.love!

Or record your question for the Savage Lovecast at savage.love/ askdan!

Podcasts, columns and more at Savage.Love

| art murmur

Envisioning Financial Sustainability for the NYS Creative Community by Corey Aldrich

In November of 2022 Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) announced that it had begun distribution of monthly payments to 2,400 artists, culture bearers, and culture makers across New York State. A total of $43.2M was distributed to artist participants in $1,000 monthly, no-stringsattached installments for 18 consecutive months.

CRNY was a three-year, $125 million initiative that provided guaranteed income and employment opportunities to artists. CRNY believes that artists are workers who deserve equitable, sustainable support structures, and that improving the lives of artists is paramount to the vitality of the State’s collective social and economic wellbeing. Fiscally sponsored by Tides Center, the funding commitment was anchored by $115 million from the Mellon Foundation and $5 million each from the Ford Foundation and Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).

Though widely acknowledged as key drivers of social and economic health – contributing over $126 billion to the state’s economy in 2020 alone – artists are often severely underresourced, relying on sparse and competitive grants, fellowships, and residencies to support their practice. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the precarity of making a living as an artist: in 2020, NYS lost 50 percent of its performing arts jobs, and in New York City, the figure was 72 percent—more than any other industry. CRNY’s Guaranteed Income for Artists program was built on the premise that all artists are deserving of financial security, and was designed to help artists meet their basic needs.

“Since beginning to receive payments, my artistic practice has been affected in a million ways, the most significant of which perhaps

is room to breathe,” says Guaranteed Income for Artists Participant Kristen Brooks Sandler, a dancer and choreographer based in Queens. “Scrambling at the end of the month to make rent because a gig’s check hasn’t come in the mail yet has become my reality. I didn’t realize how stressful that was until I received this funding. The relief isn’t just financial; it’s emotional, physical, mental, and artistic.”

As the project comes to a close at EOY 2024, there are a number of best practices and lessons learned from the program. Valuable metrics and outcomes from the program will be made available as part of a ‘NYS Policy Playbook’ toolkit that can be used to help influence communities and legislative bodies that are in the position to make decisions that have a positive impact on the creative communities.

“As the fight for permanent economic and labor policies to uplift artists continues, CRNY is honored to cement its legacy in the labor and economic justice movements. While CRNY is closing, the vision we share will carry on. We still have several things in the hopper that we’re excited to share over the next few weeks, including a new campaign for artists’ rights and new research on our GI program, so this isn’t our final goodbye.” stated Sarah Calderón, Executive Director at CRNY. “As 2024 comes to a close, we want to extend our hearty thanks and holiday wishes to the entire CRNY community for helping us reimagine what is possible. New York isn’t New York without artists.”

To Learn More: creativesrebuildny.org | IG: @creativesrebuildny

About ACE! : @upstatecreative

Author Corey Aldrich is the Executive Director at ACE! Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy

Contemporary Mixed Media Artist by Jacinta Burnell

The Transformation Project Exhibition, a compelling display of resilience, creativity, and personal narratives from individuals affected by Substance Use Disorder (SUD), recently concluded its second year at Arts, Letters and Numbers in Averill Park, NY. This exhibition features a diverse array of visual art, written works, and music contributed by community members who answered an open call for submissions, alongside pieces created during the Transformation Project workshops. Curated by Frida Foberg and a team from the collaborating organizations, the exhibition seeks to challenge stigma, foster understanding, and inspire hope and recovery.

The mission of The Transformation Project is to raise awareness, offer support, and cultivate hope and healing in response to SUD and its widespread effects on individuals, families, and communities, utilizing the power of artistic expression as a catalyst for recovery.

Our very own Erin Harkes was able to stop by and as a woman in recovery, she was beyond moved by the exhibit. “[We] very much look forward to the third year of this and beyond. We’d love to be able to support this powerful endeavor moving forward and appreciate its contribution to not only the arts community, but also those who have been profoundly affected by SUD.”

| theater

10 shows to attend in 2025

How can you carry the spirit of Christmas throughout the year ? Every trip to the theatre is a holiday. You’re giving a gift of attendance to the artists who are compensated with your presence and a gift to yourself as you see the world and your place in it from a new perspective with every encounter with good art. So, make a resolution to add these ten theatrical experiences to your calendar and you will definitely feel the joy of the season whenever you need and want it.

Once on this Island – Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York stages its largest production with this Ahrens/Flaherty classic folk tale. 25 BIPOC actors under Hettie Barnhill’s direction tell this mythical story of love and death. It marks a huge step in the growth of BTTUNY’s mission and happily, with their staging of this production, they have increased the diversity of the Capital Region’s stages tenfold. Must see! 2/6 - 2/16 @ theREP

The Lehman Trilogy – theREP takes a big risk with this 3 1/2 hour long epic about the banking family that started out as humble immigrants and over the course of 200 years became a financial colossus whose failure brought the world economy to its knees. Three actors played out this epic on a frighteningly clever rotating unit set on Broadway and walked away with five Tony Awards including Best Play. It’s a huge challenge but you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. 3/7 - 4/6 @ theREP

Hamlet – Home Made Theater has been performing in numerous spaces since losing its home during the pandemic in The Little Theatre on the SPAC grounds. Instead of contracting and finding a small-cast play, they have gambled on the depth of the Capital Region talent and will stage arguably the greatest drama known to man. Director Dianne O’Neill and (in another roll of the dice) the fine actor Elizabeth Helmer is cast against gender type as the melancholy Danish prince. 2/28 - 3/9 @ Saratoga Music Hall

The Pillowman – Albany Civic Theater had an exceptional turnout of men, young and old, for their production of the rarely performed, pitch black, devilishly clever and wickedly funny comedy by playwright & screenwriter Martin McDonagh (The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Banshees of Inisherin). Director Ellen Cribbs had worried about the turnout of men (which all community and high school directors have worried about from time immemorial), especially after A Few Good Men cast over a dozen guys for their production 1/31 - 2/9 at Cohoes Music Hall, but it turned out not to be an issue. Hopefully, the interest in auditions will translate to the box office as well. 2/14 - 5/2 @ Albany Civic Theater

by Patrick White

Heathers: The Musical – Playhouse Stage Company has taken the teen interest in Spring Awakening from last year and transferred it to Westerberg High where this movie adaptation musical was terrorizing its suburban school setting before mean girls could talk. “Dear diary, my teenage angst bullshit now has a body count.” 2/21 - 3/9 @ Cohoes Music Hall

The Witch – Union College is performing the latest play by newly minted Broadway playwright Jen Silverman (The Roommate) which is a feminist take on the powers and privileges of being thought to be a witch. Jasmine Roth who directed the kinetic You on the Moors last school year is helming this Jacobean adaptation and we are here for it even if we need to sell our souls for tickets in the studio space. 2/13 - 2/16 @ Union College Theatre

Sunset Boulevard – Niskayuna High School is taking on the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical that is an adaptation of the Billy Wilder film about a faded silent film star who ensnares a young screenwriter to do her bidding in her Hollywood Hills mansion. Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls fame is virulently receiving some flak on Broadway for being too young for the aging star Norma Desmond. We’re deeply intrigued how a high school is going to approach this story of a woman hanging on to her youth and vitality. 2/27 - 3/1 @ Niskayuna High School

Funny Girl – Proctors Theatre continues to bring the best of recent Broadway hits in 2025 with Parade, Shucked, and Come From Away among others scheduled but the one that everyone is buzzing about is Funny Girl directed by Michael Mayer because it features Albany High School & Carnegie Mellon grad and Regional Jimmy’s Award winner Annabelle Duffy. She is a Swing and understudying three roles including Miss Fanny Brice. Everyone knows she is the greatest star, she is by far! 4/1 - 4/6 @ Proctors www.atproctors.org

Falsettos – Schenectady Light Opera Company is producing this Berkshire resident William Finn’s masterwork about family, relationships and the onset of the AIDS crisis. Director Melissa Mason-Lacijan has a cast of SLOC regulars and newcomers to play this beloved show which gets far too few productions. 1/17 - 1/26 @Schenectady Light Opera Company

The Capital Region Festival of Theatre – The FIRST region wide celebration of the enormous depth of theatrical opportunities in our home counties. Four days, multiple venues from Fort Salem to Averill Park with stops in Albany, Schenectady & Troy involving thousands of participants with 100 events overwhelming all who don’t know how powerful theatre is in the Capital Region. 6/12 - 6/15 www.crftinc.org

| comedy

over the lazy dog.”

Five-To-One, Baby. One-In-Five.

“The quick, brown fox jumped

“She sells sea shells by the sea shore.”

“I have $83,000 in travelers checks hidden in my clothes at all times and I don’t care who knows it.”

There are exactly two reasons why you may not have been able to read the above sentences:

1. You are of the 21% of American adults who are functionally illiterate.

2. You are turned to a different page.

If you are still lost, I have bad news for you. Or, good news? I won’t tell you how to feel. Either way, you can’t read. The medium news, however, is that you’re very, very, very not alone. Congratu-dolences.

According to data collected in 2024 by the National Literacy Institute, 1-in-5 US adults are considered illiterate, and over half of the population are reported as reading below a 6th grade level. At a time in our nation’s history when a most basic civic institution as education is being stripped for parts to satisfy an unquenchable profit motive, it’s easy to blame these statistics on fluoride and Lizard People. But rather than focus on the “why come is that?” I feel that it is in our immediate interest to tackle this

problem head-on and at full-clip. Helmet optional. We must learn to read, and fast, which is why I pretended to be illiterate and asked a computer for help.

RS: Good day to you, Meta! I was wondering, if it is not too much trouble, if you had any resources you might suggest for someone interested in learning how to read. Namely, myself. Sincerely, Ryan (illiterate)

MetaAI: Hello Ryan! I’m happy to help. Learning to read can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some resources that may help:

1. *Local libraries*: Many libraries offer free adult literacy programs, which include one-on-one tutoring and small group classes.

2. *ProLiteracy*: A nonprofit organization that provides adult literacy programs, resources, and support.

3. *Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)*: Offers free reading resources, including books, e-books, and reading tips.

4. *Starfall*: A website that provides interactive reading lessons and games for adults and children.

Remember, learning to read takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. You got this, Ryan!

by Ryan Shanahan

RS: That all sounds like a lot of work. By chance, would you be able to teach me? My availability is wide open.

MetaAI: I’d be happy to help you learn to read, Ryan. We can take it one step at a time, and I’ll do my best to make it engaging and fun. To get started, let’s begin with the basics. We’ll focus on learning the alphabet. Here’s a simple exercise to begin with: Can you tell me a little bit about your background and what motivated you to want to learn to read?

RS: Me? Why, I’m just a simple man from a simple town in a simple county in a simple state. Some would be so bold as to think of me as a bit of a bad boy, because of all of the skateboarding I’m wont to talk about. I’ve never done any, myself, but darn it if I don’t shoehorn

a kick flip or two into everyday conversation. At the age of 35, I overheard a conversation about a motion picture that changed my life. Directed by Jon Turtletaub and starring Nicholas Cage, National Treasure: Book of Secrets is about “yadda yadda- Nicholas Cagesomething something- reads this book- blah blah blah- it was awesome.” “Reads this book,” I thought. What could that mean? Once it was safe to leave my eavesdropping spot, I raced home and consulted my Conversation Reference. Reading, as it turned out, was the act of deciphering a series of ordered symbols into language and that made me remember a different conversation I heard about The DaVinci Code! I was hooked. I had to learn.

Comic by: Danatoon

Joe Gatto Messes With People at The Palace Theater

by Brad Monkell

Joe Gatto may now be a former member of The Impractical Jokers, but he's still professionally stupid, and for over a decade he and three of his closest friends have been The Beatles of making random people uncomfortable. What some fans may not realize is that for years before they made it on television, they were out working hard to make people uncomfortable as an improv comedy group called The Tenderloins, and even more so as stand up comedians.

It's hard not to be a bit skeptical seeing if someone's talent matches up with the level of fame they've already achieved for something else, and when you hear a prankster is going to tell jokes, you might worry it's just going to be a bad prank. It's pretty common to hear about a social media star whose persona doesn't really translate to stage, but Gatto's talent and years of experience in show business were evident in his new (and first) stand up special, Messing With People, on YouTube. While pranking was a major theme of the show, he emphatically flexed his comedy chops and storytelling abilities to show that he is a nightmare to hang out with in the best possible way.

Fans of The Impractical Jokers will get some nice behind the scenes stories about him and his co-hosts at The Palace, but also a better picture of Joe Gatto himself. Fans of pranking will get some great ideas of how to create confusion when encountering strangers in bathrooms and elevators, and he

encourages others to join in on the madness that he creates in his everyday life. He advocates introducing yourself with business cards you've collected from others, in the most delightful form of identity theft I've heard conceived.

He will be at The Palace Theater December 29th as part of the "Let's Get Into It" Tour, and if you read this before seeing him while he's in town, tell him that you had a dream about him last month where he proposed to Megan Thee Stallion and by the third or fourth person, he will have a new story about Albany.

Comic by: Jaye McBride

| the metro poem

poetry in the capital region by R.M. Engelhardt

So… Local poet? Local writer? Got an event that you want to put the word out about? A new book on the horizon? Interested in finding out more about local Albany area readings or submitting your work? Maybe even perhaps writing an article or two? Send an email to me at rm@themetroland.com

Baudelaire’s Beneficiary

I was born in Aries and died in Virgo, just like Baudelaire.I am not forty-six, nor do I have Syphilis, but I died in Virgo three times:None were black. All were white.None were green.All were right, at that time,the poet sought incendiary muses,confused angelswith impediments as mortal women:helpmates became hazards—as above a rampant bed, buzzards sat in silent observation of the merriment below,of the contents of my chateau:shredded bridal gowns, blackened marriage licenses; apron strings and hidden rings—cold kindling, piled in a nest of grey dust and cobwebs.

The verses ran from a blood jet! The lines were rung in sad domiciles as wandering spring ghosts rattled windowpanes.The verses prevented self-destruction.The verses were like green-haired non-sequiturs—Baudelaire made do,but he had heartbeats that were heard in brothels.

I was borne in Aries and died in Virgo,stealing antique coins from a common fountain,eventually losing them,like Baudelaire changing apartments to hide from creditors.

I recently discovered my Parisian DNA. Unceasing—I discovered that I am Baudelaire’s beneficiary—Without lament for resignation to a spiritual family tree…I was born in Aries and died in Virgo,Yet, I never intended my sick flowers to pass for poetry.

Poet Robert J. Milby Jr. of Florida, NY passed away on December 12, 2024. He was 54 years old.

As a freelance writer and poet, Robert had been reading his poetry in the Hudson Valley, the Tri-State area, and New England since March, 1995. Robert, a listed poet with Poets & Writers, Inc. of NYC was voted ‘Best Poet’ in Middletown, NY’s Times Herald-Record’s Annual ‘Best Of’ listings in 2010 and 2011, and became Poet Laureate of Orange County, NY from May 2017 until November 2019.

Over the years Robert was published in many magazines and anthologies. He has four published books of poetry in addition to his many self-published works. Robert was invited to several New York colleges and universities as a featured poet, and actively hosted readings and writing workshops in schools and cultural centers throughout the Hudson Valley.

Robert’s most recent book of poetry, A Harvest Sonata: Poems for Musicians and Poets, was published in 2023.

RIP Robert

*Baudelaire’s Beneficiary poem courtesy of The Hudson Valley Writers Guild. https://hvwg.org

| crossword 518 FUN

2 This Albany resident patented perforated toilet paper. He’s the shit.

7 Invented at the Moon Lake Lodge in Saratoga in 1853 and you still can’t eat just one

Now famous stand up is SUNY Albany grad and former Times Union intern

1 Union College Alum went on to star in Parks and Rec and was “the WORRRRRSTTTT”

3 A WHITE WHALE!

4 A Van Rensselaer Bakery receipt from 1675 holds the oldest celebration of…

6 George Washington Gale Ferris Jr graduated from this school before inventing the Ferris Wheel

9 Albany’s Maestro

11 Oldest organized sporting event venue in the entire United States

13 Born in Schenectady, she went on to clean house for America’s favorite blended family

14 Former receptionist at Metroland; now sits at a MUCH bigger desk

16 A 16-ft. statue of this Scottish Poet stands in Washington Park

18 Pop-punk Band from Albany

19 This Delmar school shares its name with the birthplace of the Baby Jesus

20 One time home to The Three Stooges

22 Greenwich was their home until they got the chance to “Come Alive” 23 William Kennedy’s Pulitzer Award Winning novel

24 The only WWII destroyer vessel still afloat in the US corrodes peacefully in the Hudson River

25 The oldest television station in the entire world

Oldest municipal airport in the entire country

This church was resurrected and brought back as a beautiful venue

15 Emma Williard Alum went on to earn the nickname “Hanoi Jane”

Fall hikes will give you panoramic views

8 Knots Landing star ALSO played JFK 17 The first winning horse of the Saratoga Race Track

Largest indoor skating rink in the world

These donuts will make apple picking with your girlfriend almost worth it

Current guitarist for The Cure, lives in Troy

Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts Announces

2025 Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival

ALBANY, N.Y. – The Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts organization is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2025 Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival, which will take place from January 23 to January 26. Presented by Bank of America, this four-day affair promises a vibrant showcase of the Capital Region’s culinary and artistic offerings, while underscoring its commitment to supporting local arts initiatives.

The festival kicks off with the Mayor’s Opening Reception on Thursday, January 23, hosted at the New York State Museum. Sponsored by Fenimore Asset Management, this inaugural event will set the stage for the weekend’s festivities.

On Friday, January 24, and Saturday, January 25, the Grand Tastings and Seminar sessions— supported by the National Bank of Coxsackie—will feature over 100 vendors. Attendees can indulge in a remarkable array of culinary delights and innovative beverages. Among the highlights is the annual Battle of the Bartenders competition, where local bartenders will compete for the title of top mixologist.

Festivalgoers will also have a chance to sample creations from the six winners of the 2025 Rising Star Chefs, who will showcase their talents at the Times Union Table Hopping Pavilion.

Adding to the fun, the Slider Slam! competition following Friday evening’s Grand Tastings will pit ten of the region’s best restaurants against each other as they vie for the coveted championship belt. Guests will cast their votes to determine the winner.

Culminating the weekend is the Grand Gala Reception and FiveCourse Dinner, featuring a gourmet menu with the theme “A Taste of Italy.” This exclusive meal will be prepared by a team of Signature Chefs, and attendees will have the opportunity to bid on luxurious auction items and experiences during the event.

New this year, the festival is partnering with Hattie’s Restaurant in Albany to introduce a unique bonus event, “Wine & Dine and Brunch!” on Sunday, January 26. This special brunch will feature a menu inspired by Hattie’s celebrated Southern cuisine, complete with mimosas and specialty drinks, providing a delightful conclusion to the weekend.

General Admission and VIP packages are currently available on the festival’s website, with prices starting at $75. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the non-profit arts community in Albany, furthering the organization’s mission to provide sustainable funding for local artistic endeavors.

For more information about the festival, ticket options, and sponsorships, please visit albanywinefest.com.

About Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts: This organization is dedicated to the sustainable funding and preservation of Albany’s non-profit arts community. Through an annual three-day food and wine festival that showcases local restaurants and chefs, they educate the public on healthy, sustainable agriculture while donating net income to deserving arts organizations in the area.

Saratoga Film Showcase to Premiere January 2025

Saratoga Springs, NY – The inaugural Saratoga Film Showcase (SFS) will take place on January 17-18, 2025, celebrating regional cinema and emerging filmmakers at iconic Saratoga Springs venues, Putnam Place and Scene One Cinema. Supported by local organizations like Saratoga Arts and the 518 Film Network, the nonprofit event aims to spotlight local artistic talent and raise funds for scholarships for teens to attend ArtsFest at Camp Stomping Ground.

Key features of the showcase include a screening of the feature film Paint, directed by Brit McAdams and starring Owen Wilson, along with local landmarks featured in the film. McAdams will participate in a Q&A session after the screening.

The event will feature a rich schedule including:

Friday, January 17:

• 7:00 PM: Shorts After Dark

• 9:00 PM: Welcome Party Saturday, January 18:

• 9:30 AM: Local Locations Shorts

• 11:30 AM: Panel on “Shooting Upstate”

• 2:00 PM: Dance Shorts

• 4:00 PM: Panel on “Choreography in Film”

• 7:00 PM: Feature Presentation of Paint

• 9:30 PM: Closing Night Party

Weekend passes are available for $100, providing access to all screenings, panels, and parties. For more information and tickets, visit saratoga-arts.org

The community-focused event promises to inspire and celebrate the vibrant arts scene in Saratoga Springs and the Greater Capital Region.

| horoscope

by Isavella Vassilakis

Isavella Vassilakis is an astrologer based in the Capital District, the founder of First House Rising Astrology, and co-creator of Planetarium, a monthly astrology themed dance party. You can find Izzy on Instagram at @firsthouserisingastrology.

For the greatest accuracy, your horoscopes are written with your rising sign in mind. That’s how astrologers know which life area the planets are affecting! If you don’t know your rising sign, you can easily find it online. Read for both your rising and sun sign to see which horoscopes ring true!

Capricorn rising: December 22 – January 19

Happy 2025, dear Capricorn! Finances are the issue at hand this month, and since Pluto entered Aquarius and your 2nd house of money and possessions several months ago, I’m sure cash money has been on your mind. Mars is currently burning through your 8th house, and you may have been spending more than you’d like. Alternatively, you could be putting energy into applying for loans or grants, receiving an inheritance, or dealing with tax issues. Mars agitates (and retrograde Mars even more so), and the stress you may be experiencing will come to a head on the 2nd, when Mars and Pluto form an opposition, facing off with each other as if to say “who’s going to cave first?” Pluto imports power struggles, as well as feelings of darkness and helplessness, so this could play out as not getting what

you want due to a power imbalance, or (more likely in my opinion) feeling despair at all you have to deal with. But you’re the zodiac’s preeminent realist, Capricorn, and I have faith you’ll get things sorted out, especially towards the end of

up and you’ll feel a renewed sense of strength and power. There are two Saturn-ruled ruled signs of the zodiac: Capricorn (that’s you!) — and Aquarius. In a way, you feel a certain kinship with this energy, and your innate understanding of rules

the month once the Sun moves into Aquarius. The Sun illuminates whatever life area it transits through, and on the 21st, our cosmic source of light and heat runs right into Pluto (again, the Pluto vibes are strong this month), forming a cazimi, or exact conjunction. When this happens, Pluto will be flooded with the bright life-giving rays of the Sun, and this symbolism will trickle down into the real world, illuminating whatever issues you’re experiencing and guiding you towards actionable solutions. At the very least, the darkness will ease

and red tape are a huge asset while you roll up your sleeves and get to work dealing with it all. The climax will be the Aquarius New Moon of the 29th, providing a chance for you to look within for answers.

Additionally, this will be a “think-y” month for you (and possibly talk-y), especially once Mercury enters your sign on the 8th, staying for just a couple of weeks. Your mind will be a bit sharper during this time, and Venus rolls in to help as well, moving into Pisces and your 3rd house of communication and

learning new skills. (This house also rules siblings, so if you have any, they make play a role!) Venus makes a few important connections during her short stay in Pisces, the first being a square to Jupiter in Gemini (more thinking! more talk!) on the 14th. This is coming from your work and health sector, and those life areas will receive the full benefit of these two lucky planets. On the 19th, Venus slams into Saturn, planet of responsibility and restrictions, but — as a Saturnruled sign yourself — this may come as a comfort. This day may be a buzzkill, but it most likely will simply encourage you to buckle down and work even harder. Relationships are also an important theme this month, especially once Mars retrogrades back into Cancer and your 7th house of relationships. Mars is an inflammatory energy, and this life area may have been going through it for a long while, but Mars also brings action and movement (limited movement though cuz retrograde). Regardless, relationships will be a focal point for several months, but in the meantime, keep an eye out for the 25th when Venus sends a lovely beam of support to Mars, hopefully easing some of the heat.

FOR MORE GO TO themetroland.com/horoscopes/

|

night & day

|art

Albany Center Gallery

2024 Annual Members’ Show 12/6/24 - 1/11/25

2025 Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival: Wine & Dine for the Arts

1/23/25 - 1/25/25

Albany Institute of History & Art Nell Stokes: Stories of an Education Advocate

12/19/23 - 12/31/24

Enchanting Threads: The Art of Salley Mavor 7/27/24 - 2/23/25

Delights of the Senses: Seventeenth-Century Dutch Art and Life, Featuring Paintings from The Leiden Collection 9/14/24 - 12/31/24

People of the Waters That Are Never Still: A Celebration of Mohican Art and Culture 9/14/24 - 12/31/24

Free Docent-led Tour

12/28/24 -

Americans Who Tell the Truth

2/1/25 - 7/20/25

On the Road to Cragsmoor with Charles Courtney Curran

3/22/25 - 10/13/25

Ancient Egypt: Ongoing Ongoing -

The Hudson River School: Landscape Paintings from the Albany Institute Ongoing -

Albany Library (Washinton Avenue Branch)

Weave It To Me Loom Workshop with Albany Barn 1/4/25 -

Albany Library Pine Hills Branch

Repeat Play: The Art of Pattern (Art at APL in partnership with Opalka Gallery) 12/6/24 - 5/10/25

Arts Letters & Numbers

Transformation Project Exhibition 12/14/24 - 12/17/24

Transformation Project Exhibition 12/14/24 - 12/17/24

Colonie Art League

Colonie Art League Annual Holiday Show

12/3/24 - 12/29/24

Colonie Art League Annual Holiday Show 12/3/24 - 12/29/24

Opalka Gallery

Screenprint Biennial 1/24/25 - 3/1/25

Osi Audu: The Self in African Art 3/18/25 - 4/19/25

Overit Media

Uncharted Creativity: AI in Action 1/8/25 -

R Gallery at Arlene’s Flat File Program at Arlene’s 10/4/24 - 8/30/25

Arlene’s Member Show 12/14/24 - 1/11/25

Sound Waves 1/31/25 - 2/28/25

Forgone: Re-imagining the Figure 3/7/25 - 3/2/25

R Gallery at Arlene’s Creative February Show 4/4/25 - 4/25/25

R Gallery at Arlene’s Member Select Show 5/2/25 - 5/31/25

the Arts Center of the Capital Region Formative Expressions 3/3/25 - 4/6/25

REALMS UNREAL: Artistic Experiments with Artificial Intelligence 3/3/25 - 4/6/25

Teaching Artist Showcase 4/14/25 - 5/9/25

The Blooming Artist Gallery Holiday Salon 11/5/24 - 2/1/25

The Hallway at Second Street Studios Holiday Show Extravaganza 12/6/24 - 12/20/24

University Art Museum History Lessons 1/27/25 - 4/4/25

Vito Acconci: Under-History Lessons 1/27/25 - 4/4/25

William K. Sanford Town Library

R Gallery at Arlene’s Fourth Annual Student Art Show 2/1/25 - 2/27/25

|theater

Capital Repertory Theatre Opal Essence’s New Year’s Eve Dragtacular 12/31/24 -

Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck Shrek The Musical 1/4/25 - 1/26/25

Charles Wood Theater A ‘Classic’ Christmas with Lee & Friends 12/22/24 -

Moochie The Dumpster Cat 1/12/25Charles Wood Theater Colorworld Live! 1/25/25 - 1/26/25

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library It’s a Flop Bombs Back! 1/24/25 - 1/26/25

Cohoes Music Hall

A Few Good Men - presented by Creative License

1/31/25 - 2/2/25

A Few Good Men - presented by Creative License

2/7/25 - 2/9/25

A Few Good Men - presented by Creative License

2/7/25 - 2/9/25

Proctors Parade

1/11/25 - 1/17/25

The Cher Show 1/29/25 - 1/30/25

Sand Lake Center for the Arts A Raisin in the Sun 1/31/25 - 2/9/25

Schenectady Civic Playhouse 100 Saints You Should Know 1/24/25 - 2/2/25

SLOC Musical Theater Falsettos 1/17/25 - 1/26/25

Steamer No. 10 Theatre 2025: Déja Eww! (A Comedy Cabaret) 12/31/24 -

|film

Proctors

1/2/25, 7:00 PM

KLUTE (1971) w/Donald Sutherland & Jane Fonda)

1/9/25, 7:00 PM TREMORS (1990)

1/16/25, 7:00 PM YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

1/21/25, 7:00 PM

Robert Altman’s 3 WOMEN

1/28/25, 7:00 PM A MOTHER APART w/Live Score & Narration 1/30/25, 7:00 PM BARBARELLA (1968)

2/11/25, 7:00 PM SOUNDTRACK TO A COUP D’ETAT (2024)

2/25/25, 7:00 PM WE HAVE JUST BEGUN (2023)

|poetry

Bull and Bee Meadery

Poetry Open Mic for The Spoken Word 1/15/25 - 7:30 PM

Poetry Open Mic for The Spoken Word 2/19/25 - 7:30 PM

Cafe Euphoria

Open Mic & Poetry Slam 1/3/25 - 6:30 PM

Open Mic & Poetry Slam 1/17/25 - 6:30 PM

Open Mic & Poetry Slam

2/5/25 - 6:30 PM

Open Mic & Poetry Slam 2/19/25 - 6:30 PM

Collar City Mushrooms

Second Sunday Poetry and Prose Open Mic

1/12/25 - 2:00 PM

Second Sunday Poetry and Prose Open Mic

2/9/25 - 2:00 PM

Electric Grinch

Jay Street Poets

1/14/25 - 5:00 PM

Jay Street Poets

2/11/25 - 5:00 PM

Inquiring Minds Bookstore

Open Mic Poetry Night

1/30/25 - 6:30 PM

Open Mic Poetry Night 2/27/25 - 6:30 PM

Schenectady Public Library

Poets’ Circle Open Mic Event

1/13/25 - 6:30 PM

Poets’ Circle Open Mic Event

2/10/25 - 6:30 PM

Poetry Night

1/14/25 - 7:30 PM

Poetry Night 2/17/25 - 7:30 PM

Poetry Night

3/23/25 - 7:30 PM

Poetry Night 4/26/25 - 7:30 PM

Social Justice Center

December Third Thursday 1/16/25 - 7:30 PM

December Third Thursday 2/13/25 - 7:30 PM

December Third Thursday 3/13/25 - 7:30 PM

December Third Thursday 4/10/25 - 7:30 PM

|comedy

Comedy Works

12/28/24, 10:00 PM Open Mic

1/4/25, 10:00 PM Open Mic

1/11/25, 10:00 PM Open Mic

1/18/25, 10:00 PM Open Mic

1/25/25, 10:00 PM Open Mic

2/1/25, 10:00 PM Open Mic

|comedy (cont'd)

Fort Orange Brewing

1/17/25, 8:00 PM NYC Comedy Invades Albany

Funny Bone Comedy Club

1/4/25, 6:30 PM Tina Friml

1/4/25, 9:00 PM Tina Friml

1/11/25, 6:30 PM Duncan Trussell

1/11/25, 9:00 PM Duncan Trussell

1/19/25, 6:30 PM Matteo Lane

1/19/25, 9:00 PM Matteo Lane

Hart Theatre At The Egg

1/16/25, 7:00 PM Charlie Berens

Lark Street Tavern

12/29/24, 7:00 PM Open Mic

1/2/25, 7:00 PM Open Mic

1/5/25, 7:00 PM Open Mic

1/9/25, 7:00 PM Open Mic

1/12/25, 7:00 PM Open Mic

1/16/25, 7:00 PM Open Mic

1/19/25, 7:00 PM Open Mic

1/23/25, 7:00 PM Open Mic

1/26/25, 7:00 PM Open Mic

1/30/25, 7:00 PM Open Mic

McAddy’s

12/30/24, 8:00 PM Open Mic

1/6/25, 8:00 PM Open Mic

1/13/25, 8:00 PM Open Mic

1/20/25, 8:00 PM Open Mic

1/27/25, 8:00 PM Open Mic

Moon and River Cafe

1/25/25, 7:00 PM Goofballs Comedy Showcase

Son of Egg

1/7/25, 8:30 PM Open Mic

1/11/25, 7:00 PM

Are you Afraid of the Dark Comedy?

1/14/25, 8:30 PM Open Mic

1/21/25, 8:30 PM Open Mic

1/28/25, 8:30 PM Open Mic

Stacks (Troy)

1/8/25, 7:00 PM Open Mic

1/15/25, 7:00 PM Open Mic

1/22/25, 7:00 PM Open Mic

1/29/25, 7:00 PM

Open Mic

The Local 217

1/2/25, 9:00 PM Open Mic

1/9/25, 9:00 PM

Open Mic

1/16/25, 9:00 PM

Open Mic

1/23/25, 9:00 PM

Open Mic

1/30/25, 9:00 PM

Open Mic

The Van Dyck

1/15/25, 7:00 PM Match Game!

Wynantskill American Legion

1/31/25, 8:00 PM

Comedy and Dinner Show ft. Ray Harrington and Travis Stealey

|music

Caffè Lena

Stephen Kellogg

12/27/2024, 5:00 PM

Stephen Kellogg

12/27/2024, 8:00 PM

New American Cuisine

12/28/2024, 4:00 PM

New American Cuisine

12/28/2024, 7:00 PM

Lost Leaders

12/29/2024, 7:00 PM

Open Mic Night

12/30/2024, 7:00 PM

Los Sugar Kings: Free with Saratoga New Year Badge: Hot Sounds of the Caribbean 12/31/2024, 7:00 PM

Los Sugar Kings: Free with Saratoga New Year Badge: Hot Sounds of the Caribbean

12/31/2024, 9:00 PM

The Nields

1/3/2025, 8:00 PM

Little Folks: The Nields 1/4/2025, 1:00 PM

Five Decades at Caffè Lena: The Joe Deuel Photo Collection

1/4/2025, 8:00 PM

Super 400 1/5/2025, 8:00 PM

Storytelling Open Mic Featuring Claire Nolan

1/7/2025, 7:00 PM

Folk Club Kids! New Time For 2025 Dance Tunes, Sing Alongs, & Stories! Free / Infants - Pre K

1/8/2025, 10:30 AM

Poetry Open Mic Featuring Susan Oringel

1/8/2025, 7:00 PM

Weekly Slow Jam - Folk, Bluegrass, Blues, and More!

1/9/2025, 1:00 PM

Gareth Pearson

1/9/2025, 7:00 PM

Allison Lupton, Shane Cook, and Kyle Waymouth 1/10/2025, 8:00 PM

Transformative Songcraft Workshop With CB Smith

1/11/2025, 10:00 AM

Peak Jazz Series: Old Firends Beckoned, New Sounds Reckoned 1/11/2025, 8:00 PM

Ellis Paul 1/12/2025, 4:00 PM

Singing with Judy Wlye ~ 10 Weeks ~ In Person!

1/13/2025, 1:00 PM

Jazz at Caffè Lena: The Chuck Lamb Duo With Special Guest Joe Locke 1/14/2025, 7:00 PM

Folk Club Kids! New Time For 2025 Dance Tunes, Sing Alongs, & Stories! Free / Infants - Pre K

1/15/2025, 10:30 AM

Weekly Slow Jam - Folk, Bluegrass, Blues, and More!

1/16/2025, 1:00 PM

Blake Christiana 1/16/2025, 8:00 PM

Nordlys Global Voices: Fränder 1/17/2025, 8:00 PM

Bright Series: Jenna Nicholls 1/18/2025, 8:00 PM

Misty Blues: MLK Weekend Live Tribute to Odetta 1/19/2025, 4:00 PM

Rochmon Record Club Listening Party: Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” 1/21/2025, 7:00 PM

Folk Club Kids! New Time For 2025 Dance Tunes, Sing Alongs, & Stories! Free / Infants - Pre K 1/22/2025, 10:30 AM

NY Focus Presents “Journalism In Challenging Times” 1/22/2025, 7:00 PM

Weekly Slow Jam - Folk, Bluegrass, Blues, and More! 1/23/2025, 1:00 PM

Nate Sabat & Rakish 1/24/2025, 8:00 PM

Eastbound Jesus - Benefit For Comfort Food Community 1/25/2025, 8:00 PM

The Michael Mills Magic Show 1/28/2025, 7:00 PM

Folk Club Kids! New Time For 2025 Dance Tunes, Sing Alongs, & Stories! Free / Infants - Pre K 1/29/2025, 10:30 AM

Lena Go Round - Songwriter Showcase with Erin Harkes 1/29/2025, 7:30 PM

Charles Wood Theater Wood Theater Workshops: Acting [Jan ‘25] 1/9/2025, 6:30 PM

Big Gay Drag Show 1/11/2025, 7:00 PM

Moochie The Dumpster Cat 1/12/2025, 3:00 PM

COLORWORLD LIVE! 1/25/2025, 2:00 PM

COLORWORLD LIVE! 1/25/2025, 6:00 PM

COLORWORLD LIVE! 1/26/2025, 2:00 PM

Cohoes Music Hall

Start Making Sense: A Tribute To Talking Heads 12/29/2024, 7:30 PM

Lez Zepplin Performs Physical Graffiti & More 1/10/2025, 7:30 PM

Crystal Ship: A Tribute To The Doors 1/11/2025, 7:30 PM

The The Band Band 1/17/2025, 7:30 PM

Run Rabbit Run: Celebrating 50 Years Of “Wish You Were Here” 1/18/2025, 7:30 PM

512: The Selena Experience 1/24/2025, 7:30 PM

Emack & Bolio’s Alan Goldberg 12/27/2024, 7:00 PM

Pearl 12/28/2024, 7:00 PM

| night & day

|music (cont'd)

Dan Bernstein

1/4/2025, 7:00 PM

Slingshot

1/11/2025, 7:00 PM

Duck n Du 1/17/2025, 7:00 PM

Alan Goldberg 1/18/2025, 7:00 PM

Pearl 1/25/2025, 7:00 PM

Empire Live Zakk Sabbath: King of the Monstours 12/30/2024, 7:00 PM

The Extreme Music Awards 1/11/2025, 6:30 PM

Nile and 6 Feet Under 1/19/2025, 6:30 PM

Empire Underground

The Extreme Music Awards Pre Party 1/10/2025, 6:30 PM

The Extreme Music Awards Sfter Party with Skinlab and Dead By Wednesdy 1/12/2025, 6:30 PM

The Dirty Nil - Winter 2025 Tour 1/14/2025, 7:00 PM

The Browning 1/16/2025, 6:30 PM

Renesans & Nailed Shut MA with special guest Slamwich

1/17/2025, 7:00 PM

Joe Stump and Last Pharoah 1/18/2025, 6:30 PM

Tragedy (a metal tribute to the Bee Gees & More!)

1/23/2025, 6:30 PM

Sheer Terror 1/25/2025, 7:00 PM

Henry’s Irish Tavern Live Music with Jeff Brisbin 12/27/2024, 5:00 PM

Rotating Live Music 12/28/2024, 5:00 PM

Lake George Beach Club Ill Funk Ensemble

12/28/2024, 9:00 PM

Hark

12/31/2024, 10:00 PM

Hark

1/1/2025, 12:00 PM

Lark Hall

Lark Hall presents Steely Dead 12/27/2024, 8:00 PM

The Eleven Presents Happy Hour with 10:01 (FREE SHOW)

1/10/2025, 6:00 PM

The Wheel performs Pembroke Pines 5/22/77

1/10/2025, 8:00 PM

The Pine Boys at The Eleven at Lark Hall (FREE SHOW) 1/11/2025, 6:00 PM

Old TP’s Birthday Bash feat. The Deadbeats, Raisinhead and Vinnie Amico 1/11/2025, 8:00 PM

The Frank White Experience with special guests The EBlock 1/17/2025, 8:00 PM

Dave Geoghegan’s 60th Birthday Bash feat. Moon Boot Lover 1/19/2025, 8:00 PM

Caity Gallagher Residency 2/5/2025, 6:00 PM

Lost & Found

Femininomenon - Live Sing-a-Long 12/27/2024, 9:00 PM

No Fun

Hellseeker Goth Night - Cold Wave Winter Ball

12/27/2024, 7:00 PM

Everybody That Loves You / Happy Birthday James / G.O.L.E.M. / No Coincidence 12/28/2024, 7:00 PM

Leftover Crack / Grief Group / Zombie Giuliani 12/31/2024, 7:00 PM

New Years Honkin’ Eve w/ Brule County Bad Boys 12/31/2024, 11:00 PM

Flavour / Lemon of Choice / INCH

1/10/2025, 7:00 PM

Bimbo Night w/ DJ Dental Work / DJ 2nd Ch!ld / P!nk P!xl 1/11/2025, 8:00 PM

No Fun Dance Series Vol.1 - Swing Dance Night w/ Dylan Perillo Quartet and Instructor Vance and Sarrah 1/12/2025, 6:00 PM

VCR Vortex - VHS Night - Lost Highway (1997) / Dark City (1998) 1/14/2025, 8:00 PM

Satisfaction Guaranteed - Vinyl Only - w/ DJ Tex & DJ K.Fink 1/15/2025, 8:00 PM

Halo Bite / BILLY / Death Defier / Take Steps 1/16/2025, 7:00 PM

Plant Fight / Mystery Girl / The Lowliest One 1/17/2025, 7:00 PM

Cinnamon / Cold Kiss / Grand Street / Prize / Spiritkiller / Wet Specimens 1/18/2025, 7:00 PM

VCR Vortex - VHS Night - Labyrinth (1986) / The Dark Crystal (1982) 1/21/2025, 8:00 PM

Moon Rules Apply / Flatwounds / Torpedo Lane / Senior Living 1/24/2025, 7:00 PM

Tiny Blue Ghost / Stella & The Reptilians / Head Sound 1/25/2025, 7:00 PM

VCR Vortex - VHS Night - Total Recall (1990) / Robocop (1987) 1/28/2025, 8:00 PM

Northway Brewing Caity Gallagher 12/29/2024, 1:00 PM

Peddlers Bar and Bistro Coverups Duo 12/27/2024, 6:30 PM

Power’s Inn & Pub Doc Orloff 12/27/2024, 6:00 PM

Chuck Kelsey 12/28/2024, 6:00 PM

Lewis and Clark 12/31/2024, 8:00 PM

Prime At Saratoga National Maggie Doherty Duo 12/27/2024, 6:00 PM

Rafa Picon

12/28/2024, 6:00 PM

Putnam Place

Dogs in a Pile w/ Annie in the Water 12/28/2024, 9:00 PM

Dogs in a Pile w/ Consider the Source 12/29/2024, 8:00 PM

Dogs in a Pile w/ Hilltop 12/30/2024, 8:00 PM

Dogs in a Pile NYE Celebration 12/31/2024, 9:00 PM

Rustic Barn Pub The Underdawgs 12/27/2024, 7:00 PM

Saratoga Winery Wreckless Duo 12/27/2024, 5:30 PM

Stephen Thriolle Trio 1/3/2025, 5:30 PM

David Wong 1/10/2025, 5:30 PM

Harmonic Duo 1/17/2025, 6:00 PM

Deadbeats 1/24/2025, 6:00 PM

Spa Little Theater

Alfredo Rodriguez Trio | Part of McCormack Jazz Series 4/5/2025, 7:00 PM

Veronica Swift 5/1/2025, 7:00 PM

Stella Pasta Bar & Bistro

Jenny Marie 12/28/2024, 6:00 PM

Bohdan Kinal Quartet 1/4/2025, 6:00 PM

Sonny & Perley Trio 1/11/2025, 6:00 PM

Michael Benedict’s Jazz Vibes Trio 1/18/2025, 6:00 PM

The Arch Stanton Trio 1/25/2025, 6:00 PM

The Cock ‘n Bull Keith Pray Trio 12/27/2024, 6:00 PM

Matt Flinner ‘n Joe K. Walsh 1/9/2025, 7:00 PM

The Glove Theatre Orange Velour 12/27/2024, 7:00 PM

Dead-Zep 12/28/2024, 7:00 PM

Strange Magic NY: The ELO Experience 1/4/2025, 7:00 PM

The 518 Concert Series Presents: Luke Pavlus

1/10/2025, 7:00 PM

The 518 Concert Series Presents: A Tribute to Taylor Swift 1/11/2025, 7:00 PM

The 518 Concert Series Presents: Big Sky Country 1/18/2025, 7:00 PM

The 518 Concert Series Presents: The TS Ensemble 1/25/2025, 7:00 PM

The 518 Concert Series Presents: Get Zep! 1/31/2025, 7:00 PM

The Grateful Den New Year’s Bash with Seize Atlantis 12/31/2024, 8:00 PM

The Linda Sound+Vision:Music at the Movies 1/7/2025, 7:00 PM

Rochmon Record Club Listening Party - The Cars “The Cars” 1/16/2025, 7:00 PM

Django Reinhardt Birthday Show 2025! 1/23/2025, 7:00 PM

Harvest & Rust 1/25/2025, 8:00 PM

The Palace

A Live Conversation With Chevy Chase 12/27/2024, 8:00 PM

Joe Gatto: Let’s Get Into It 12/29/2024, 7:00 PM

The Park Theater

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Comedy Show ft. Sean Donnelly 12/31/2024, 8:00 PM

Ariel Posen - The Solo Tour II 1/10/2025, 7:00 PM

Tyler Giroux ft. Matt Niedbalski, Rob Lindquist & Dylan Perrillo 1/16/2025, 7:30 PM

|

& day

|music (cont'd)

The Strand Theatre

A Tribute to Kris Kristofferson 1/3/2025, 7:30 PM

Rush Tribute with Run For Cover wsg Better Off Led

1/4/2025, 8:00 PM

The Newells 1/5/2025, 3:00 PM

Lobby Concert: Art-n-Shawna Trio 1/6/2025, 7:00 PM

Broken Clovers wsg Faith Anne 1/10/2025, 8:00 PM

Back in Black - AC/DC Tribute! 1/11/2025, 8:00 PM

Uncle Samm - the music of Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax 1/18/2025, 7:00 PM

Albert Lee

1/19/2025, 3:00 PM

Lucid Street wsg Lounge Act 1/24/2025, 8:00 PM

Forever Seger 1/25/2025, 8:00 PM

Shannon Tehya and The Troupe wsg Studio Chrome 1/26/2025, 3:00 PM

theREP

Opal Essence’s New Year’s Eve Dragtacular! 12/31/2024, 8:00 PM

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Bach at New Year’s: The Six ‘Brandenburg Concertos’ 1/1/2025, 3:00 PM

Lift Series: Doom Dogs 1/8/2025, 6:00 PM

Daniel Roumain + Beethoven’s Pastoral 1/11/2025, 7:30 PM

Daneil Roumain + Beethoven;s Pastoral | Matinee

1/12/2025, 3:00 PM

Michael Century 1/14/2025, 12:00 PM

Branford Marsalis 1/16/2025, 7:30 PM

Almost Queen: A Tribute To QUEEN 1/18/2025, 8:00 PM

Vince Herman & Sam Grisman Duo 1/23/2025, 7:30 PM

Lights Out: A Tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons 1/25/2025, 7:30 PM

Steven Isserlis 2/4/2025, 7:30 PM

Van Slycks at Rivers Jukebox Rebellion 12/27/2024, 9:00 PM

Ten Most Wanted 12/28/2024, 9:00 PM

Grand Central Station 12/31/2024, 9:00 PM

The Rogues 1/1/2025, 2:00 PM

Country Weekends With The Gary Frost Band 1/3/2025, 8:00 PM

Country Weekends With Big Sky Country 1/4/2025, 8:00 PM

Carla Page 1/8/2025, 2:00 PM

Hijacked 1/10/2025, 8:00 PM

Cryin’ Out Loud 1/11/2025, 9:00 PM

Joe’s Boys 1/15/2025, 2:00 PM

TS Ensemble 1/17/2025, 8:00 PM

Ten Most Wanted 1/18/2025, 9:00 PM

Roxy And The Rollers 1/22/2025, 2:00 PM

Hit N Run

1/24/2025, 9:00 PM

Scars N’ Stripes 1/25/2025, 9:00 PM

Vapor Nightclub at Saratoga Casino The Refrigerators 12/27/2024, 8:00 PM

80s & 90s Party with DJ NPG 12/28/2024, 8:00 PM

New Year’s Celebrations with The Accents & Big Sky Country 12/31/2024, 8:30 PM

80s & 90s Party With DJ NPG 1/4/2025, 8:00 PM

The Refrigerators 1/10/2025, 8:30 PM

Skeeter Creek 1/11/2025, 8:30 PM

That 80s Band 1/17/2025, 8:30 PM

Totally 2000s With DJ NPG 1/18/2025, 8:00 PM

Big Sky Country 1/24/2025, 8:30 PM

Aquanett 1/25/2025, 8:30 PM

Wolf Hollow Brewing Company

The Trojan Horns 12/28/2024, 6:00 PM

SURROUND

concert series + collective resonance

SURROUND offers a rare and intimate concert experience, seating audiences onstage with the artist for an immersive performance that invites reflection and resonance, bridging deeply personal moments with expansive, universal themes.

Made possible with the generous support of Jimmy Zankel ’92 and the Zankel Music Fund.

SUNDAYS, 4PM

Onstage seating is limited. Purchase your tickets today!

JANUARY 26

Sophia Subbayya Vastek

Box Office: Tuesday - Friday, 1pm - 5pm | 518-580-5321

SUSTAIN

BLACK HISTORIES / BLACK FUTURES

This FREE film series celebrates the transformative power of Black artistry, exploring themes of music, spirituality, and social change through compelling short documentaries and visionary works. Made possible with the generous support of Jimmy Zankel ’92 and the Zankel Music Fund. Cosponsored by MDOCS - the John B. Moore Documentary Studies Collaborative.

TENDER PIANO

FEBRUARY 9

Niecy Blues

AMBIENT GOSPEL

MARCH 2 Cassandra Jenkins

POETIC JAZZ-FOLK

Jackie McLean on Mars (1979)

RUNTIME: 32 MINUTES

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2:30PM

THIS EVENT IS FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC NO TICKET REQUIRED

ZANKEL

ARTHUR ZANKEL MUSIC CENTER

Black Journal, episode 26: Alice Coltrane (1970)

RUNTIME: 17 MINUTES

Space Is the Place (1974)

RUNTIME: 85 MINUTES

| skidmore.edu/zankel

| tis the season!

If you weren’t feeling the Christmas Spirit this week, this might help a little! On Monday December 23rd at The Blake Annex in Albany, several local leaders gathered to distribute gifts to children as part of a larger initiative where donations of new unwrapped toys, new or gently used coats, and new school supplies were collected to assist community-based organizations during the holiday giving season. Over 6,200 items were collected this year!

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Monday completion of New York’s annual statewide donation drive to benefit families in need across the state.

“I am grateful for the generosity of so many New Yorkers who made donations this year to help families in need this holiday season,” Governor Hochul said. “With the holidays fast approaching, we are working hard to ensure these meaningful gifts make it to families across the state, as well as spreading happiness and joy to those in need.”

Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “Every holiday season, OGS is proud to support New York State’s Holiday, Toy, Coat, and School Supply Drive. I join Governor Hochul in thanking everyone who made these heartfelt donations to their fellow New Yorkers, that are making spirits bright across the state.”

by Elissa Ebersold

Through drop-off locations set up by the Office of General Services, shipped donations received at the Empire State Plaza, and other outlets, 6,200 donations were made and are being distributed to families in underserved communities throughout New York State. This year, 2,600 toys were donated through drop boxes, and the Compassion Coalition, a non-profit based in Utica that focuses on community-based giving and meeting needs as they arise, donated 2,119 toys and 172 new coats. In partnership with community organizations, 18 holiday events were hosted across the state’s 10 official regions to distribute the donations.

Donations were distributed to United Way of the Greater Capital Region, Sheridan Hollow (Affordable Housing Partnership), Grassroot Givers, Toys for Tots and Second Chance for Adults. Plus many other organizations statewide.

PICTURED: NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, County Executive Daniel McCoy, United Way of the Greater Capital Region CEO Peter Gannon, Director of Community Animation for The Blake Annex Angelique Powell, and others.

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