CAPITAL REGION LIVING
CULTURE & ARTS
—Mell T. Meus, Owner of iCreate Productions
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• AUGUST 2025
KAYLA CARLSEN 15 12 UNDER 12: EMILY K.
11 WAYS TO CELEBRATE ARTS & CULTURE THIS SUMMER BY GRACIELLA DORSEY
42 HOROSCOPE: SIGNS OF THE TIMES BY CHANTAL MARIE
44 RECIPE: CANVAS, CORKS & FORKS’ MAC AND CHEESE
ISSUE
THE CULTURE & ARTS
18 COVER STORY: BEST IN SHOW
The Capital Region isn’t exactly known as a fashion capital—but maybe it should be. MELL T. MEUS, founder of iCreate Productions, is bringing sold-out runway shows, major sponsors, and serious style to upstate New York. | BY NATALIE MOORE
24 VOICES: MUSIC WITH MEANING
Maestro José Daniel Flores-Caraballo gears up for a powerful 45th season of Albany Pro Musica. | BY NATALL1 AMATO
28 SPOTLIGHT: LISTEN LOCAL
Five local musical acts worth listening to this summer. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN MUMFORD
34 ON THE ROAD: WE’RE SHIPPING UP TO BOSTON
…to find some of the best live music in the Northeast. | BY KATHLEEN WILLCOX
36 RECAP: BESTIEFEST 2025
This celebration was one for the books. | PHOTOGRAPHY BY T.R. LAZ
45 RECIPE: CURAMIA TEQUILA’S TAMARIND & GRAPEFRUIT POPROCKET
47 CROSSWORD: CREATING A STIR BY NATALIE MOORE
52 BEFORE YOU GO: A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE BY JOHN GRAY ADVERTISING SECTIONS
16 THE ECO REVOLUTION
48 SENIOR LIVING 50 FOOD & DRINK
THE COVER Mell T. Meus photographed by Mark Davis
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CAPITAL REGION LIVING
Natalie Moore
EDITOR
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kathleen Gates
DESIGNER Linda Gates
SENIOR WRITER Cierra Orlyk
EDITORIAL INTERN Graciella Dorsey
CONTRIBUTORS
Natalli Amato, Lisa Arcella, Phat X. Chiem
Samantha Decker, Jeff Dingler, Sara Foss
John Gray, T.R. Laz, Chantal Marie Megan Mumford, Konrad Odhiambo
Fiona Stevens, Kathleen Willcox
Teresa Frazer PUBLISHER
Tara Buffa
SALES MANAGER
DIRECTOR OF SALES, SARATOGA LIVING Annette Quarrier
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Tina Galante
Anthony R. Ianniello CHAIRMAN Tina Galante
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
VOLUME 22, NO.4 | JULY • AUGUST 2025
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THE FRONT
» your starting lineup «
You’ll feel right at home at these six residential art spaces.
BY PHAT X. CHIEM
1. KIDDIE POOL ALBANY
kiddiepool.org
Curated by recent LA transplant (and my wife) Karley Sullivan, Kiddie Pool hosts intimate, thoughtful gatherings for contemporary artists and emerging writers in our beautifully maintained 1874 home.
GOOD TO KNOW: The historic row house in Albany’s Mansion District doubles as an Airbnb, so guests who book a stay might find themselves experiencing the art in situ
2. TROY LISTENING ROOM TROY
@troylisteningroom on Instagram
Housed in a converted church hall that’s also home to founders Sam Torres and Sophia Vastek (and their three cats), the Listening Room offers one of the most intentional live music experiences in the Capital Region.
GOOD TO KNOW: Unlike most other DIY music venues, the Listening Room takes sound quality seriously and even uses the same kind of speakers as The Egg.
POOL PARTY A scene from the opening of artist Judith Braun’s I’m Bad exhibit at Kiddie Pool in the summer of 2024.
THE FRONT
» your starting lineup «
3. JIVE HIVE LIVE ALBANY
@jivehivelive on Instagram
Tom O’Connor and his partner, Stacy Marsh, have renovated an 1890s carriage house on their property and turned it into a state-of-the-art audiovisual space for bands to perform, record, and stream their sessions—for free.
GOOD TO KNOW: Although Tom keeps the exact location secret (fearing complaints from
neighbors), he promotes the shows on Instagram and guests can DM for invites. The Hive has also expanded into more public shows at Cohoes Music Hall.
4. THE COOP CONTEMPORARY ART + DESIGN
SARATOGA SPRINGS coopcontemporary.com
Sprung from a former dairy farm, the COOP gets its name from the old chicken coop that
once stood on the property. It’s now a modern, minimalist home setting for viewing contemporary art.
GOOD TO KNOW: The gallery is open by appointment only, but keep an eye on the calendar for popup exhibitions and music shows that are open to the public.
5. MARTINEZ
GALLERY
TROY
martinezgallery.org
In 2022, longtime gallerist Laudelina Martinez moved her eponymous gallery into a turn-of-the-century home located in a neighborhood of row houses on Fifth Avenue in Troy. She intentionally shows art in a home setting to encourage people to imagine “living with beauty.”
GOOD TO KNOW: With a distinct focus on Latino and
international artists, the gallery is open to the public every Saturday from 12:30–4:30pm.
6. MELROSE
HOUSE
ALBANY
melrosehousealbany.com
Run by artist Catherine McTague out of her home with help from her art friends, Melrose House is named for the suburban-ish neighborhood where she lives with her husband.
GOOD TO KNOW: Exhibitions are held infrequently (sometimes only one or two each year), so jump on them if you get the chance!
» your starting lineup «
POWER PLAYER
CAPITAL GAINS
The Albany Institute of History and Art landed an asset when Kayla Carlsen stepped on board as executive director. Now, a year into her role, she’s ready to take New York State’s oldest museum to the next level.
BY CIERRA ORLYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY KONRAD ODHIAMBO
Kayla Carlsen wasn’t planning on leaving New York City. After working her way up from an administrative role at Christie’s to senior vice president and head of the American Art department at Sotheby’s, the Greene County native felt like she had made it in the art world.
Still, she always said she might consider a move
Upstate—if the right opportunity came along. So when her
parents passed along an inside tip about an executive director position opening at the Albany Institute of History and Art last year, Carlsen looked into it.
“It was a very ‘seize the moment’ kind of thing,” she says. “I felt like if I didn’t apply for it, it wasn’t guaranteed that another position like this would ever come up again.”
Also playing into her decision was the fact that, at the start of her career, she had actually
intended to go into museum work. Plus, she was familiar with the Institute—she visited growing up, and frequented it during her undergraduate art history studies at Clark University to admire the extensive Hudson River School collection.
With all this in mind, she applied—and got the position. Once she and her husband packed up their things and moved to Albany, she hit the ground running in her new role. Her first order of business? To listen.
“I sat down with staff and board members one-on-one; I talked with the membership community; I gathered insight from people who attended events and cultural leaders in the community,” she says. “I just tried to gather as much information as possible before moving things around.”
From there, she set goals: boost community engagement, increase visitorship, revitalize
TAKING THE LEAD One of the keys to Carlsen’s success might just be her leadership style. “I try to give everyone the space to do what they’re good at,” she says. “People were hired for their expertise in certain areas, and there’s no reason for me to meddle in that.”
educational programs, and build out a full staff. Now, a year later, she’s made significant strides towards each of them, reinstating the museum as a core participant in Albany’s First Friday events; building and nurturing partnerships with local leaders, organizations, and schools; beefing up the event calendar with “something for everyone;” hiring a director of communications and director of education; and planning out the show schedule for the next three years based on what exhibitions, topics, and formats people have responded well to.
With so much momentum behind her already, Carlsen seems poised to accomplish even more in the years to come. And due to the warm welcome she’s received, she knows the community is cheering her on. “I’ve been met with nothing but kindness and collaboration since I got here,” she says. “I guess it’s just the spirit of Upstate.”
12 UNDER 12
BANKING ON THE FUTURE presented
by
THE FRONT
EMILY K.
This story is part of a series in which we feature young people from Saratoga Springs and the Capital Region who are making their communities a better place. Know a kid who fits the bill? Send their story to editorial@saratogaliving.com for a chance to have them featured in a future issue!
GOOD STUFF Emily’s mobile setup includes not only a “stuffilator” but also a variety of animals, outfits, and accessories for kids to choose from for their plush friends.
She’s an entrepreneur. She’s a CEO. She’s a community advocate.
She’s also 11. Meet Emily K., a 5th grader whose extensive resume of good deeds includes running her own business, E&D Best Stuffies.
Created by Emily and her younger brother David (who took a step back from the business recently to focus on his sports schedule), E&D Best Stuffies is a mobile stuffed animal business—with an LLC. It involves Emily attending parties, school events, and fundraisers with perhaps the most heartwarming piece of machinery to exist—a “stuffilator”—to allow children to create plush friends using the high-powered stuffing machine. Instead of just pocketing all of her hard-earned proceeds, Emily uses them to contribute to causes and events she cares about, like the Ronald McDonald House and American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. In one of her biggest charitable gestures yet, Emily donated Stuff-A-Stuffie Experiences to every Make-AWish child attending the Walk for Wishes in Saratoga in June.
» your starting lineup « age: 11 hometown: NORTH GREENBUSH, NY school: NORTH COLONIE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT community involvement: E&D BEST STUFFIES, MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION, RONALD McDONALD HOUSE, CAPITAL CUP FOR KIDS, and AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S RELAY FOR LIFE
“Families, especially kids, need love and support when they’re going through rough times,” says Emily, who’s pursuing a mini MBA through the Girls with Impact Business and Leadership Academy. “E&D Best Stuffies is able to use our business to help kids’ parents get the extra support they need. It is important because our customers, who are kids, are helping other kids in need.”
Why 2025 is the Year to Go Solar
Solar power has been around for decades, and its environmental benefits are clear—reduced emissions, cleaner air and water, and less strain on the planet’s resources. But today, there’s another reason more homeowners than ever are going solar: serious long-term savings.
The team at Kasselman Solar, the Capital Region’s trusted solar experts for over a decade, often gets asked: “Will solar really save me that much money?” And the answer? Yes—especially if you make the switch by the end of the year.
WHAT’S CHANGING IN 2025 AND BEYOND
Right now, homeowners who go solar can benefit from the federal tax credit in addition to state-level incentives and tax credits. While current policy has the credit lasting until 2032, a recently proposed tax bill could change this to as soon as December 31, 2025. That legislation still needs Senate approval and presidential sign off— but if passed, will mean 2025 is the last year to claim these savings.
State-level incentives won’t last forever either. New York State offers incentives through the NY-Sun Megawatt Block Program, which offers a limited number of rebates until the blocks are used up. All solar incentives are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Miss these savings and you’ll spend thousands more.
Utility rate hikes aren’t slowing anytime soon. Plus, surging demand from data centers and extreme weather could drive supply costs even higher.
BREAKING DOWN A FEW MYTHS
Even with generous savings available, solar can still come with a lot of questions. Let’s take a look at a few common misconceptions:
We don’t get enough sun for solar. Albany gets about four peak sun hours per day, nearly equal to Germany, the world’s historic solar leader.
Solar panels will wreck my roof. Not when installed properly and with the high quality equipment Kasselman uses! The attachment area is often the bestsealed part of an older roof. (Kasselman recommends replacing older roofs before going solar to extend the lifespan of both.)
You need a south-facing roof. While it’s true that a south-facing roof will get the most direct sunlight, today’s modern high-efficiency modules work well on east- or west-facing roofs as well.
Solar is too expensive. When you factor in the 30 percent federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, Sun-NY MW Block rebates, and utility companies’ pending rate hikes, solar’s lifetime cost per kilowatt hour is now lower than utility power for most single-family homes.
WHY CHOOSE KASSELMAN?
As the Capital Region’s only Enphase Platinum and NYSERDA Gold Quality Solar Installer with more than 3,000 installs and counting—across residential, commercial, and government markets—the facts speak for themselves! As an affiliate of Kasselman Electric, Kasselman Solar also brings over 75 years of electrical expertise to every installation, ensuring trusted quality and reliability. The Kasselman team’s goal is to make your transition to solar energy seamless, and to help you maximize every dollar of savings you’re eligible for.
If you’ve been waiting to find the right time to go solar, this is it. Scan the QR code to claim priority scheduling and get a free estimate with the Kasselman Solar team.
Smart, Secure…Solar
Upstate New Yorkers are no strangers to extreme weather events—like snowstorms, thunderstorms, and heat waves—that can knock out power without warning.
For homeowners seeking more control over their electricity, Hudson Solar + Battery Solutions offers a smarter, more secure way to power your home. “We empower homeowners by providing reliable, clean, and renewable energy solutions that allow them to generate and store their own electricity,” says Jeff Irish, founder and president of Hudson Solar + Battery Solutions.
How exactly is this achieved? It starts with solar panels, which capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. Pair them with battery storage, and any excess energy generated is saved for use during outages or grid disruptions.
“Our solar-plus-battery systems offer automatic, seamless backup power,” says Irish. “And they save homeowners a lot of money compared to buying electricity from the utility.”
In fact, going solar can save homeowners two to three times the original cost of the installation after incentives and tax credits. “To put it another way, it’s like paying a lump sum now for 25 years of electricity at a fixed, known rate that is one-half to one-third of what the utility will charge you,” Irish explains.
Plus, financing options are available, making energy independence accessible with monthly payments that are often similar to or lower than current electric bills.
The installation process is quicker and easier than you might think, too. “It begins with a thorough site evaluation to tailor a solar and battery solution specific to the homeowner’s needs,” says Hudson Solar + Battery Solutions Marketing Manager Madeline Hammer. “Once a customized system has been designed, our team handles all permits and applications, and installation typically takes around two to three days with minimal homeowner involvement required. Afterwards, we guide homeowners through an app they can use to monitor their energy generation and storage.”
As for safety? Hammer assures that battery storage systems meet rigorous standards. “The latest residential batteries are tested to the UL 9540A safety standard, which states that they are not a fire hazard and are not capable of causing a fire that spreads to their surroundings,” she says. “In fact, household battery storage is moving rapidly toward becoming a standard household appliance.”
Ready to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with energy security and independence? Contact Hudson Solar + Battery Solutions.
cover story
Best in Show THE CULTURE & ARTS ISSUE
The Capital Region isn’t exactly known as a fashion capital— but maybe it should be. MELL T. MEUS , founder of iCreate Productions, is bringing sold-out runway shows, major sponsors, and serious style to upstate New York.
By Natalie Moore
Photo by Mark Davis
Paris. Milan. New York. London… Albany? If Mell T. Meus has anything to do with it (and, as it happens, he most certainly does), the Capital Region may just become the next fashion capital of the world.
A Hudson native with a creative streak, Meus found his way into the world of fashion, oddly enough, through real estate. “I got into real estate and had to figure out a way to separate myself and market myself in an industry that was very diluted with
MODEL CITIZEN After seeing the way models and creatives are treated at major fashion shows, Meus has made it his mission to give those who contribute to his shows a better experience. “I had a very negative experience at New York Fashion Week,” he says. “If I wasn’t tough or if I didn’t see the vision, I probably would’ve quit, and not gotten to develop myself or grow to my full potential. Because of my experience as a model, I try to give the creatives here a different experience.”
lenders,” he says. “So, I started doing photo shoots and different wonky things that you wouldn’t normally see a lender doing on social media to make myself stand out.”
Meus’ posts caught the attention of a local designer, who asked him if he would model in an upcoming fashion show. He did, and loved it. He started modeling in shows in Syracuse, Rochester, Philadelphia—even at New York Fashion Week—all the while trying to sell houses to the people he’d meet along the way. That experience led him to sit on a few fashion show fundraising committees back in the Capital Region, including Rock Your Style, a charity show that at the time raised money for Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region.
“I found that what we were lacking here were serious, high-end fashion shows,” he says of the experience. “Because the fundraiser shows were more for community members…It wasn’t like you could build a résumé here. That’s where iCreate started. I wanted to start doing events here, but serious fashion shows. I bring in real models, bring in designers that I’ve met—and here I am.”
In the last seven years, iCreate has put on 13 shows, some of which were elevated fundraising shows—such as the Forever Young Fashion Show to benefit Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood and Shred
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the Runway, which raises money for the SHRED Foundation—and some of which are high-end, for-profit endeavors, like this past June’s Sweat N’ Style, a fitness-themed fashion show sponsored by MVP Health Care that saw local fitness influencers walk the runway alongside professional models at Schenectady’s Frog Alley. After selling out 450 tickets to the first annual Sweat N’ Style in 2024, Meus team, which includes “iCreate Productions’ first lady and emcee” Coco Trotter, opted to move the 2025 show to the summer so they could open up the patio and increase capacity.
“For Sweat N’ Style to not be attached to a charity and to get businesses like Dick’s House of Sport and MVP supporting the event—for a fashion show—for me it’s like, ‘Holy crap, I’m doing it,’” Meus says. “That money is going to pay the makeup artist; it’s going to pay the models, the designers. It’s like, it’s happening. It’s working. And that’s a great feeling.”
In addition to the four annual shows iCreate now produces locally, Meus (who’s a bank manager by day) also finds time for work outside the Capital Region. And we mean way outside: “Mo Rabiu from European Tailoring and So’Radical came to Sweat N’ Style last year, and she was like, ‘I’ve never seen
(Shred the Runway) DOUG MITCHELL; (Runway of Terror) EDDIE QUINN
RUNWAY BRIDE A look from iCreate’s 2024 Halloween-inspired Runway of Terror production at Frog Alley; (opposite) looks from Shred the Runway photographed by Doug Mitchell.
THE CULTURE & ARTS ISSUE
TELL A VISION “A venue for me, as an artist, is my canvas,” Meus says. When he first stepped foot in the GE Theater at Proctors, where he was hosting his Shred the Runway show, he stayed in the space for three hours thinking about logistics and how to turn an empty room into an immersive experience. Ultimately, he opted for a circular runway, and went to a local art gallery that suggested he work with a projection light artist. “It was coming up with a vision, but trying to figure out what networks and resources you can tap into to create that vision.”
something like this in the Capital Region— I’ve never seen a show that was a legitimate fashion show,’” Meus says. “And she asked me to produce her show at Paris Fashion Week. At first I was like, ‘Yeah, OK.’ But nine months later, there I am in Paris producing a show.” This year, the duo is planning a show for London Fashion Week in September.
While Meus plans to continue seeking out opportunities in the fashion world outside
of the Capital Region, his heart is here, and he’s committed to growing the local scene so that, maybe, years down the line, local models and designers don’t have to go elsewhere to launch a successful career in the fashion industry—they can make a name for themselves right in their own hometown. The presence of local creative talent isn’t the issue, Meus says. Rather, it’s a matter of connecting creatives with one another to form a cohesive community of individuals who are working toward the common goal of elevating the fashion industry in the Capital Region.
Admittedly, Alban y is likely a long way out from becoming the next Milan. But we could be closer than you’d think to hosting the first-ever Albany Fashion Week.
“Maybe it’d be little pop-up events at museums or restaurants throughout the week, and then, boom, the final iCreate show on Saturday,” Meus says. “I feel like that’s so realistic. We have enough creatives here to make it happen.”
When Meus talks—specifically about fashion and community-building—his passion is palpable. But why has this 31-year-old, who now works as a banker, made it his mission to bring high fashion to little old upstate New York? His answer is threefold: 1. Because he loves the creative process of turning an event into an experience, 2. Because he wants to give local creatives the platform he wished he had when he first got into the world of fashion, and 3. Because a full-time career working for himself in production will give him the flexibility to spend more time with his now-3year-old daughter.
“I remember when she was a baby, I was planning a Juneteenth show and I had her in the little carrier just walking around, in meetings, calling the shots,” he says. “It was just like, ‘Wow, this is what I want.’”
Music With Meaning
MAESTRO JOSÉ DANIEL FLORES-CARABALLO
GEARS UP FOR A POWERFUL 45TH SEASON OF ALBANY PRO MUSICA. | By Natalli Amato
each season performs classical masterpieces, new compositions, popular selections from Broadway, traditional and folk music, and more.
MUSICA NOTES Albany Pro Musica is a renowned choral ensemble that
Over the course of
or some, dedicating one’s life to one’s art is a choice deliberately made when the proverbial path of life meets its fork in the road. For the rarer few, the opposite occurs: it’s as if the artform does the choosing, and, in return, the soul surrenders.
Dr. José Daniel Flores-Caraballo, who serves as the artistic and executive director of Albany Pro Musica as well as the choir’s conductor, is one of those few.
“I often feel like music chose me,” says Flores-Caraballo. A minister’s son, he grew up immersed in the music of the church. By age 10, he had learned to play the organ
and was performing for the congregation. By age 12, he was already becoming a leader, conducting the church’s choir—of adults.
“It was a way-too-early start,” FloresCaraballo says with gentle humor. “But it was an important experience, because when you’re hands-on with music so early, there’s so much you gain from that.”
His early introduction to music prepared him for all that would come: attending the Conservatory of Music in his native Puerto Rico, pursuing graduate studies in both conducting and the organ at University of Illinois, earning a doctoral degree in choral conducting and sacred music, and then going on to lead prize-winning choral
SING INTO ACTION
his 11 years as director of Albany Pro Musica, José Daniel FloresCaraballo has brought to the storied chorus a renewed commitment to civic and educational engagement.
programs in Puerto Rico and across the mainland United States.
His most recent outpost before the Capital Region? Vero Beach, FL, where, over the course of a decade, he founded and directed three auditioned community choral groups before he and his wife made the conscious choice to start a new chapter in the Northeast.
“In the Northeast, there’s a great history and tradition of people valuing education and music,” he says. “That was, to me, an important factor. And then, of course, once I learned about the wonderful journey and trajectory of Albany Pro Musica, I thought, ‘That’s where I need to be.’”
“I feel a sense of gratitude when I am in front of this group of devoted, talented singers. Many of them could have a career as a soloist, and they choose to be in a choir, to be part of a larger community, to produce uplifting programs for this place we call home.
That decision was made 11 years ago, and, in the time since, Flores-Caraballo has built upon Albany Pro Musica’s esteemed legacy, bringing it into the spotlight as one of the nation’s best choirs by embracing challenge, innovation, and education—and leading with a sense of reverence and gratitude for his singers.
“They take time from their busy lives not only to work hard in rehearsals for several concerts a year, but they also need to put in a lot of time at home because of the high expectations,” he says. Most of the singers are finding this time while also juggling demanding, full-time careers.
“As someone who dedicates his life to the choral art—to see this kind of passion from your singers is heartwarming,” he says. “I feel a sense of gratitude when I am in front of this group of devoted, talented singers. Many of them could have a career as a soloist, and they choose to be in a choir, to be part of a larger community, to produce uplifting programs for this place we call home. So that is, to me, the highest motivation of being here.”
While following the music has taken Flores-Caraballo across the country, he
remains struck by the sense of community and civic engagement that is so especially vibrant throughout the Capital Region.
“It is also very humbling and inspiring to see members of this community who volunteer their time and their gifts—I’m talking of their talents and their treasure— to support an organization for no other reason than saying, ‘We love the choral arts. We love the performing arts. We want to be part of this,’” says FloresCaraballo. “I even have some important donors who never come to a concert. They’re members of the business community, and they tell me, ‘Music is not my thing. However, I see what you’re doing. I know how important this is for this community. We would not be a vibrant community without the arts, and I want you to succeed ’ This community was the first time I encountered that.”
This season, which marks Albany Pro Musica’s 45th, will kick off in July with
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performances at the University of Albany and Skidmore College as part of the Pro Musica International Choral Festival, which is being hosted this year by UAlbany. Then, on August 7 and 14, the chorus will join the Philadelphia Orchestra for special performances of Gustav Holst’s The Planets and Verdi’s Requiem, respectively, at SPAC.
For Flores-Caraballo, music is at its most powerful when it has meaning. That’s why he set the intention for most of this year’s season to focus on one of our time’s most important issues: the protection of our planet.
“Music is powerful, no doubt, but when when you put together a narrative—a message of something you want to communicate—then it becomes twice as powerful,” he says. “And that’s what we try to do. We try to have evocative programs. We have to look at the issues around us, and we try to connect in a deeply personal way with our audience. And that’s what we expect to do once again.”
spotlight
Listen Local
Sure, some of the Capital Region’s largest live music venues bring in the biggest stars of today to play sold-out shows to cheering crowds. But did you know that upstate New York is home to an impressive community of musicians that are making and performing world-class music every day of the week?
You’ve heard of shopping local...This summer, we challenge you to support the Capital Region’s vibrant music scene by listening local. Here are five favorite acts to get you started.
Photography by Megan Mumford
ARTIST/BAND: Buggy Jive
MEMBER(S): Bryan Thomas
GENRE: “If Prince and Joni Mitchell had a baby.”
HOME BASE: Delmar
FAVORITE LOCAL VENUE TO PLAY: Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
KNOWN FOR: Making music in his basement studio and occasionally venturing above ground to perform live
LOCAL BAND RECOMMENDATION: The Kamikaze Hearts and Jed Davis
LINK TO LISTEN: buggyjive.com
What’s something interesting about you as a musician? I’m a recovering English major, so literary references seep into the songs now and again. You don’t need to know Othello to understand and appreciate a song like “What Do Y’all Know About Shakespeare?”
But if you do know it, it can be fun to catch an Easter egg here and there.
What’s your music-making philosophy? My favorite album growing up was Aretha Franklin’s Amazing Grace. My first concert was Ozzy Osbourne. The first album I ever asked my parents to buy me was the original Broadway cast album for The Wiz. The last few big venue shows I’ve seen: Springsteen, Beyoncé, Joni Mitchell, and Kendrick Lamar. For millions of people, loving all these different music styles in equal amounts and at the same time is not an odd thing. I make music for those people.
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ARTIST/BAND:
Zan & the Winter Folk
MEMBER(S): Zan Strumfeld (vocals/guitar), Michael Gregg (banjo), Will Brown (lead guitar), Sean Fortune (upright bass), Brandan Tompkins (drums)
GENRE: Indie folk/americana
HOME BASE: Troy
FAVORITE LOCAL VENUE TO PLAY: Cohoes Music Hall and Hangar on the Hudson
KNOWN FOR: Being a five-piece band
LOCAL BAND RECOMMENDATION: Motorbike, Sova, and The AM’s LINK TO LISTEN: zanandthewinterfolk.com
What’s something interesting about your group? We’re an accidental band. Zan was a solo musician and was invited to a play a gig that she felt needed a fuller sound. She asked a couple of her friends who played music a few days before the show to join her; they learned the songs and played the gig. Zan assumed it was a one-time thing and that they all had better things to do. When the gig was over, they all asked her, “So, when’s our next practice?” That was nearly eight years ago.
What’s your music-making philosophy? Write songs that make you feel something, whether it’s joy, heartbreak, hope, or envy. These are the songs that really connect the most with our audience.
ARTIST/BAND:
Caity Gallagher
GENRE: “I’ve settled on indie-folk singer-songwriter, but I’ve had others describe my style as indie pop, americana, and acoustic soul.”
HOME BASE: Troy
FAVORITE LOCAL VENUE TO PLAY: The Eleven at Lark Hall
KNOWN FOR: Having a full gig calendar; she performs somewhere around the Capital Region once or twice a week
LOCAL BAND RECOMMENDATION: Zan & the Winter Folk LINK TO LISTEN: caitygallaghermusic.com
What’s something interesting about you as a musician? Although I do all of my performing and 90 percent of my writing on an acoustic guitar, I have an 18-year background in classical piano. Some of my favorite musical influences are more piano-driven, including Carole King and Ben Folds.
How would you describe the Capital Region’s music scene? Ever evolving. Just when I think I’ve met or heard the majority of local musicians, five more amazing artists pop up on the scene. The biggest downside of performing so much is that I’m constantly having FOMO about missing other performer’s shows.
ARTIST/BAND:
Sun Natives
MEMBER(S): TJ Hiemel (guitar), Brandon Stewart (drums), Nicholas Warchol (vocals), August Rosa (bass), Craig Dutra (keys “and other stuff”)
GENRE: Heavy psych
HOME BASE: Albany, Troy, Schenectady, and Saratoga
FAVORITE LOCAL VENUE TO PLAY: No Fun, a basement show, or Desperate Annie’s KNOWN FOR: “Visceral live shows with projected visuals. Multi-sensory experiences. Being loud.”
LOCAL BAND RECOMMENDATION:
Abyssmals, Lemon of Choice, G.O.L.E.M., and 100 Psychic Dreams
LINK TO LISTEN: sunnatives.bandcamp.com
What’s something interesting about your group? A bunch of us own and operate businesses that involve or are adjacent to the local music scene.
TJ owns Love of Fuzz guitar shop in Troy. August owns Pint Sized, is the former owner of No Fun, and throws shows as Dive Presents.
Nick owns Herbie’s Burgers and Larkin HiFi. Brandon has a photography business called Still Floating that covers a lot of live shows in the area.
How would you describe the Capital Region’s music scene? Probably the best it’s ever been. Lots of mixed bills. Way less cliquey than it has been in the past. Show attendance in general has been very solid.
ARTIST/BAND: Sova
MEMBER(S): Sophia Subbayya Vastek
GENRE: “My music is a mix of classical, jazz, and electronic influences. Or, sometimes I’ll just say it’s ‘cinematic, piano-driven music,’ which is often enough of a way in for folks.”
HOME BASE: Troy
FAVORITE LOCAL VENUE TO PLAY: Troy Savings Bank Music Hall
KNOWN FOR: Creating thoughtful spaces for intentional listening and gathering
LOCAL BAND RECOMMENDATION: Half Waif
LINK TO LISTEN: sova.music
What’s something you wish local audiences knew? How financially precarious musicians are right now. The cost of everything in the world has gone up, but the money flowing to artists has not. Most people consume music through streaming (like Spotify), and independent artists don’t make money from that. Touring used to be the way we made money, and now it’s gotten extremely difficult to simply break even on a tour. All this to say, when you see an independent musician performing, just know that every little bit matters. We devote everything, including our own finances, into our music. When you buy something directly from an artist, it means the world to us. So does your presence at a show.
What’s your favorite thing about writing music and performing in this area of the world?
One of my favorite things is that my style of music isn’t very prevalent here. It can feel isolating at times, but also like a super power. I love engaging with new audiences who have no idea what to expect from my music, and hopefully winning them over.
We’re Shipping Up to Boston
BY KATHLEEN WILLCOX
Boston is justly famous for its role in shaping history (shoutout to the American Revolution) and culture (see: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Edgar Allen Poe, Elizabeth Bishop, etc). And hey, the clam chowder, baked beans, and cream pie have legions of fans across the world. But Boston’s music scene is woefully unsung, making it great for visitors who want to see some of the best live music at the coolest venues in the country without waiting in grimly long lines.
Boston boasts more than 70 live music venues, with more than 1,000 concerts planned every year, from tentpole acts at TD Garden and Fenway Park to indie up-andcomers at the Paradise Rock Club.
Obviously, that’s far too many to tackle in a long weekend, so here’s a tasting menu of Boston’s best:
CHOW DOWN
Fancy dinner and a show? The neighborhood of Cambridge (technically outside of the metro area, but in reality part of Boston, and fully accessible via public transit) is the best neighborhood for scratch-made cooking and earworms.
The Lizard Lounge serves up a killer rotation of craft beer and simple-but-tasty burgers and sandwiches, plus a compelling blend of live music, from hip hop and reggae to opera and Moroccan jazz.
The nearby State Park cranks out snacky apps like Pimento cheese dip and a smoked brisket quesadilla, thoughtful cocktails (try the Beetnik, with beet-infused gin, vermouth, watermelon brine, and pickle brine), and a steady stream of live indie music that leans rock/vinyl record parties/dance fest.
Lily P’s Fried Chicken and Oysters serves up fresh oysters, crackling-tender fried chicken, and the best bluegrass in town.
HISTORY LESSON
While there will always be new venues to get excited about, Boston has a particularly rich tapestry of landmark music destinations to explore.
For lovers of all things classical, Symphony Hall is a renowned destination, as celebrated for its exceptional acoustics as it is for its peerless Italian Renaissance Revival Architecture. Declared a Historic Landmark in
1999, all types of music lovers flock there to listen to the Boston Pops Orchestra perform jazz, pop, indie rock, and classical music.
The family-owned and operated Wally’s Café Jazz Club was founded in 1947. Not only does it offer some of the best jazz music in the world, but it’s also the first Black-owned jazz club in New England. See where greats like Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday played, and witness who’s making history now.
Paradise Rock Club feels intimate, but the 933-capacity club has hosted legends, like
Billy Joel and Tom Petty, who dig the buzzy energy and young spirit. (It hovers on the fringes of the Boston University campus).
MAKING HEADLINES
Sure, you can catch live music any time of the year in Boston, but summer is an especially exciting time to be in town, especially if you’re eying tickets to Beantown’s biggest venues.
Forget hockey: TD Garden seats 19,600 and plays host to some of this generation’s biggest music stars. This summer, catch Gracie Abrams (July 23-24), Tate McRae (August 26-27), Benson Boone (September 2), and Dua Lipa (September 9-10) at the West End venue.
Another iconic Boston sports arena that transforms into the ultimate concert venue is the nearly 38,000-seat Fenway Park, where you can see the Jonas Brothers (August 23), The Who (August 26), and My Chemical Romance (September 7).
Now spread throughout the country, the House of Blues opened its first set of doors in Cambridge. More than 30 years later, the iconic venue will play host to Shakey Graves (July 16), The Struts (August 2), and Fitz and the Tantrums (August 18).
GET THE INSIDE SCOOP
Want to delve deeper? Music geeks know that the best person to ask about the latest and greatest music is a local musician. Soundscape Tours are hosted by working musicians who dig into Boston’s music history and invariably share tips on where to catch the coolest rock, blues, and jazz shows. Go to soundscape-tours.com to book.
BOSTON’S CALLING (from top) Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway; duck nachos from State Park; the Boston Pops conducted by Keith Lockhart; (opposite) the Theater District.
Was One for the Books
PHOTOGRAPHY BY T.R. LAZ
On Tuesday, June 10, the CAPITAL REGION LIVING team was joined by more than 300 members of the local community at The Hangar at 743 to celebrate this year’s Besties, the 518’s longest running “best of” awards. After plenty of delicious food, drinks, and desserts provided by local vendors, the program, emceed by NEWS10 ABC’s Lydia Kulbida and Steve Caporizzo (who in June retired after more than 35 years at the station) began. Lydia and Steve handed out dozens of plaques to the winners of the year’s Besties, who will proudly display them in their businesses.
CRL would like to thank the following local businesses for making BestieFest a success: West Ave Chicken, Curamia, Yanni’s Too, Copake Country Club and the Greens Restaurant, DeCrescente Distributing, Delmar Beverage Center, BioPulse, Music Man Entertainment, Bella Napoli, Good Karma Studio, The Balloon Bar, Mazzone Hospitality, Breezy Tea, Awards by Walsh’s & Creative Marketing, Saati Deli & Catering, D’Raymonds, Saratoga Winery, Verdiles, Sake, fin - your fishmonger, Romo’s Pizza, Morgan Linen Service, Genoa Importing, The Cross Eyed Owl, Choices Hair Studio, Avila Retirement Community, The Animal Hospital, The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, Bountiful Bread, Hebe Medical Spa, Joyelles Jewelers, Hannaford, CDPHP, Free Movement Pilates, Capek Surgical Arts, Complexions Spa, The Hot Yoga Spot, The Clark, Columbia Tent Rentals, T.R. Laz, The Hangar at 743, and John Fritze Jr., Jeweler.
Voting for the 2026 Bestie Awards begins this fall…Stay tuned!
1. Attendees fill their plates with sushi from Sake
2. NEWS10 ABC’s Lydia Kulbida served as co-emcee
3. Longtime NEWS10 meteorologist Steve Caporizzo, who retired from the weather in June, was the other emcee
4. The CRL team with the evening’s emcees
5. The Dental Wellness of Albany team
6. The Zappia & Fryer General Dentistry team
7. Sea-cuterie by fin - your fishmonger
8. The West Ave Pizza and West Ave Chicken team
14. Curamia Tequila served up signature cocktails 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
9. DJ Pr3z and his team
10. Members of the Apple Barrel team
11. The Elle’s Bridal Boutique team
12. The Attentive Care team
13. Good Karma Studio provided entertainment
Classic Shed and Patio is a local, family-run business specializing in the manufacture of the highest quality storage sheds. Since opening in 1990, our product line has expanded to include gazebos, garages, pool houses, playhouses, picnic tables, Adirondack furniture, rose arbors, porch swings and more.
Classic Sheds would not be what it is today without our many skilled craftsmen who are dedicated to delivering a Quality Hand Crafted
JULY 12–AUGUST 23
11 WAYS TO CELEBRATE ARTS & CULTURE THIS SUMMER
BY GRACIELLA DORSEY
Powers Park Concert Series TROY
Troy’s popular annual concert series, featuring a variety of local talent, returns to Powers Park. Highlights of the 2025 season include a dance party with The Refrigerators, a Grateful Dead tribute by Neon Avenue, and a Rush tribute by Run for Cover. Concerts will take place on Saturdays from 6-8:30pm; admission is free and the shows are family-friendly. Set up with lawn chairs and coolers or enjoy food from local vendors at this weekly event! facebook.com/powersparkconcerts
JULY 18–26
1776: The Musical HOME MADE THEATER
If you enjoyed watching the original cast of Hamilton perform at the Tony Awards, consider taking a trip back in time with 1776: The Musical at Saratoga’s Home
Made Theater. Like Hamilton, the musical brings to life figures more likely to be found in a history textbook than a stage, with a contemporary spin. Irreverent humor and rock-inspired musical numbers combine with poignant themes of war and democracy to produce a show that will leave the audience entertained and thoughtful. homemadetheater.org
AUGUST 3
Hudson Jazz Workshop Concert HUDSON HALL
Topping off the Hudson Jazz Workshop, a weekend immersion in jazz improvisation that’s now in its 19th year, is a free and open-to-the-public concert at the historic Hudson Hall. This year’s show, which starts at 4pm, will feature the talents of special guest guitarist Steve Cardenas as well as the students of the previous weekend’s jazz workshop, led by pianist Armen Donelian and saxophonist Marc Mommaas. hudsonhall.org
SAX ON FIRE Saxophonist Mark Mommaas is co-director of the Hudson Jazz Workshop, which culminates in an open-to-the-public concert; (TOP) Troy’s Powers Park concert series runs July 12–August 23.
DOG
AUGUST 6–23
Philadelphia Orchestra
SPAC
This year’s Philadelphia Orchestra season at SPAC promises to be one of the best in the nearly 60-year history of the residency.
On the docket: A Night at the Symphony with Laufey (pronounced lay-vay), the international superstar who’s taken TikTok by storm and won the hearts of Gen Z music-lovers; An Evening with Cynthia Erivo (yes, that Cynthia Erivo, who recently starred alongside Ariana Grande in the film adaptation of Wicked); two film nights, at which the Orchestra will play the scores of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Back to the Future; and a show in which the Orchestra will be joined by Grammyand Emmy-winning trio Time for Three for a performance of a Mason Bates work that was co-commissioned by SPAC. Oh, and seven other can’t-miss shows. spac.org
AUGUST 12–17
Altamont Fair
ALTAMONT FAIRGROUNDS
The Capital Region’s favorite fair returns to the Altamont Fairgrounds for six days of good,
old-fashioned fun. In addition to agricultural shows, rides, and plenty of food, this year’s fair also boasts quite the lineup of live music, with shows planned for five of the six days, as well as a Taylor Swift dance party and a gravitydefying performance by the Royal Hanneford Circus. altamontfair.com
AUGUST 16
RuPaul’s Drag Race Live: Werq The World
PROCTORS
See your favorite show go from screen to stage with RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! Walk the runway
(SPAC)
DAVE BIGLER
hosted by Jimbo as Joan Rivers, and then witness performances by Daya Betty as Lady Gaga, Jaida Essence Hall as Beyoncé, Jorgeous as Ariana Grande, Kim Chi as Celine Dion, and Vanessa Vanjie as Rihanna. Wondering what to expect? Think: Comedy. Glamor. Drama. atproctors.org
AUGUST 16
The Great Influencers of the Capital Region
CAPITAL REPERTORY THEATER
The Great Influencers of the Capital Region event will honor champions of the community— including Key Bank Market President Fran O’Rourke, Albany Business Review Publisher Walter Thorne, The Red Bookshelf Executive Director Paul Collins-Hackett, and Business for Good Co-founder Lisa Mitzen—who have worked tirelessly to create lasting and impactful change. Their contributions will be celebrated at an evening of food, live performances, and dancing to benefit The Cultural Center in Albany. attherep.org
AUGUST 23
Albany LatinFest
WASHINGTON PARK
Celebrate Hispanic culture at the largest New York cultural festival outside NYC. Going on from 11am–6pm, Albany LatinFest is a fullday extravaganza complete with live music performances, food, activities for children, local vendors, and information booths. The event is put on by Albany Latin Festival Association, a nonprofit that promotes and develops Hispanic cultural events to acknowledge the contributions of Hispanic performing artists and promote an appreciation for multicultural diversity. albanylatinfest.org
AUGUST 30
Capital District Scottish Games
ALTAMONT FAIRGROUNDS
You don’t have to compete in the Capital District Scottish Games to get your fill of Scottish culture—anyone is welcome to attend the competitions, which include everything from the throwing of heavy objects to a Scottish breed dog show. There’ll be other festive attractions too, such as performances by traditional Scottish bands and Highland dancers, a petting zoo, pony rides, and plenty of Scottish food. scotgames.com
SEPTEMBER 6
Little Italy Street Fest
UNION STREET AT NORTH JAY STREET, SCHENECTADY
Head to Schenectady from noon–9pm on September 6 for the 20th annual Little Italy Street Fest, where revelers can indulge in Italian favorites from Perecca’s and Cornell’s, learn about the beautiful country in the Italian Cultural Heritage Tent, and listen to live music all afternoon long. facebook.com/LittleItalyStreetFest
SEPTEMBER 14
Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival
JENNINGS LANDING
Head to Jennings Landing on September 14 from noon–8pm for the 22nd annual Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival to check out a full slate of performances by critically acclaimed upand-coming jazz artists including Bright Dog Red, Melanie Charles, Henry Johnson Award, Matthew Whitaker, and Nate Smith. Admission is free, and $8 parking is available at the Riverfront Garage. albanyny.gov
GREAT SCOT! The Capital District Scottish Games; (opposite, from top) Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC; the Altamont Fair.
Signs of the Times
BY CHANTAL MARIE ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROBERT RISKO
LEO
JULY 23–AUGUST 22
It’s giving major release, Leo. With Venus retrograding in your sign, it’s not about the glam and the glitter right now—it’s about going deep. This is the season to strip back the shine and ask: what’s underneath? Who are you without the performance, the validation, the crowd? It’s a sacred reset. With Saturn spinning backwards in your eighth house, themes around intimacy, trust, and vulnerability are up for review. You’re learning to let go of what’s not real and hold close what is. Trust the quiet. In the absence of applause, can you still applaud yourself? It’s there that your power lies.
VIRGO
AUGUST 23–SEPTEMBER 22
Happy Birthday, Leo & Virgo!
You’re entering a karmic clean-up zone, Virgo love, and the stars are serious about it. Venus is retrograde in your 12th house, stirring old wounds, hidden emotions, and the ghosts of past relationships. But don’t fret— this is actually a blessing in disguise. You’re being asked to let go in a way that makes room for so much more joy. Jupiter in your 11th house brings blessings through friends, community, and future goals. Dream big, even as you release the weight of the past. Saturn retrograde in your relationship zone will test your bonds—but only the real ones will remain. Trust the sorting. It’s all for your highest good.
LIBRA
SEPTEMBER 23–OCTOBER 22
Purpose is calling, Libra. With Saturn retrograde in your sixth house, your routines, work, and wellness are asking for a glow-up. This isn’t about productivity for productivity’s sake—it’s about creating habits that support the life you actually want. Venus, your ruling planet, is retrograde in your 11th house, sparking a review of friendships, future plans, and what legacy you want to leave behind. Are your people really your people? Are your goals your own? Jupiter is lighting up your career house, bringing expansion, yes—but also responsibility. Keep the vision big, but keep your priorities clear. Your next chapter starts here.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 23–NOVEMBER 21
You’re not just shifting gears— you’re upgrading your whole vehicle, Scorpio. Saturn is retrograding through your fifth house of creativity and joy, meaning it’s time to commit to what lights you up and release what dims your spark. Don’t ignore your inner artist or lover. Jupiter is opening up your ninth house of wisdom, travel, and belief systems—go explore. Study something new. Feed your soul. Venus retrograde is testing how you show up in your public life and career. Is your work aligned with your heart? If not, now’s the time to pivot. You’ve got the courage to reroute and the depth to rebuild.
RAY DAY On August 25, celebrity chef and former TV host Rachael Ray, a Leo, will celebrate her 57th birthday. Ray was born in Glens Falls, raised in Lake George, and has a home in Lake Luzerne.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 22–DECEMBER 21
July and August are peeling back the layers for you, dear Sag. Jupiter—your ruling planet—is lighting up your eighth house, blessing you with transformation, intimacy, and healing. But don’t rush it. This kind of growth is sacred and slow. Venus retrograde in your ninth house is asking you to reflect on your beliefs, your truth, and how you share it with the world. You might revisit old educational paths, spiritual philosophies, or cultural fascinations. Saturn is anchoring your emotional foundation, teaching you to build resilience from the ground up. Trust the process. Shed what no longer serves, and step into your higher knowing.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22–JANUARY 19
This is a deeply relational season for you, Capricorn. Jupiter is bringing harmony, connection, and potential new beginnings to your partnerships—business and romantic. Let people in. But Venus retrograde in your eighth house will also ask you to examine trust, intimacy, and how you handle shared resources. Your heart is not a fortress. It’s okay to let someone hold the key, if they’ve earned it. Saturn retrograde in your communication house says it’s time to mean what you say and say what you mean. Don’t sugarcoat the truth: Speak it.
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 20–FEBRUARY 18
You’re doing a whole lifestyle audit, Aquarius. Saturn is retrograding in your second house of values, money, and self-worth, asking you to take a hard look at how you invest your time, energy, and finances. Venus retrograde in your relationship house will stir conversations, reconnections, and maybe a few realizations about who you are in love. It’s not about perfection—it’s about clarity. Jupiter in your sixth house is offering new solutions to old problems. Think fresh routines, better boundaries, and more joy in the day-to-day. Don’t underestimate the power of small, consistent change. Your future self is already thanking you.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 19–MARCH 20
This is a season of romanticism and realism, Pisces. A rare combo, but one you’re capable of embodying with grace. Venus is retrograding in your sixth house, urging you to find beauty in the ordinary, and maybe re-examine how you love through service, caretaking, and devotion. Are you being appreciated in return? Saturn is retrograde in your sign, bringing you face to face with responsibility, boundaries, and the long game. But Jupiter is dancing in your fifth house, lighting up your inner child, your creativity, your romance sector. It’s okay to dream and discern. In fact, it’s necessary now.
ARIES
MARCH 21–APRIL 19
July and August are bringing a reckoning of the soft kind, dear Aries. The universe is nudging you gently (but firmly) into stillness, rest, and real introspection. Saturn is retrograding through your 12th house, meaning your subconscious, your sleep, your dreams, and your spirit are getting an audit. No need to panic—this is divine timing to release what’s been heavy. Emotional release is not weakness; it’s wisdom. Let yourself feel it. Let yourself heal it. On the bright side, Jupiter is bringing nourishment to your home and private life. Nourish your roots. Water the soil beneath you. This time is about remembering who you are when no one’s watching.
TAURUS
APRIL 20–MAY 20
Let’s talk about power, Taurus—the kind that’s rooted in truth and deep, unwavering clarity. With Uranus still electrifying your sign and Venus retrograde lighting up your communication zone, this season is one of real talk. With others. With yourself. Speak your truth, especially to the people you love. Misunderstandings might crop up, but they’re offering you a golden opportunity to slow down and speak from the heart. Jupiter in your third house is blessing your mind with bright ideas, meaningful conversations, and deeper bonds with siblings, neighbors, and friends. Choose presence over perfection.
GEMINI
MAY 21–JUNE 20
Your money mindset is shifting, sweet Gemini. Jupiter is bringing some magic to your financial realm, but it’s not just about abundance— it’s about understanding your worth and how your values align with your wallet. Are your resources being used in a way that reflects what matters most to you? Venus retrograde in your second house says it’s time for a recalibration. Expect insights around spending, saving, and self-worth. Meanwhile, Saturn is asking you to take your career and long-term plans seriously. Long story short: You’re laying the foundation for your next major era. Start strong. Start smart.
CANCER
JUNE 21-JULY 22
The universe is gifting you a mirror this season, dear Cancer, and it’s asking for a deep, loving look inward. Jupiter is sitting in your sign, expanding everything it touches—your sense of self, your identity, your radiance. Let yourself shine, unapologetically. But Venus retrograde may bring past versions of yourself or past lovers back for review. Who were you then, and who are you now? This is a spiritual glow-up moment. Saturn is also urging you to take your beliefs seriously—your inner compass, your truth, your voice. Travel, study, or spiritual work could be powerful tools in July and August. Own your growth. You’ve earned it.
CHANTAL MARIE is a full-time astrologer, tarot reader, and life coach. Find her full list of services on her website: akashiccrystalhealing.com
Say ‘Cheese!’
Schenectady’s Canvas, Corks & Forks reveals how its legendary mac and cheese is made.
*Prefer to have someone else make this for you? Canvas, Corks & Forks’ all-you-caneat mac and cheese bar is complimentary at all summer classes (paint and sip and otherwise), or, you can order it to go Thursday–Sunday.
DETROIT-STYLE PIZZA
SERVES 4-6
INGREDIENTS
16 oz elbow noodles
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup milk
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheese, plus more to top
Toppings of your choosing
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. Add salt and pepper, and slowly add milk, stirring well after each addition.
3. Cook and stir until bubbly.
4. Stir in cheese—a small amount at a time—until fully melted. Use whatever type of cheese you’d like: American, cheddar, American and cheddar, or some gouda for a smokier flavor.
5. Drain macaroni, add to cheese sauce, and stir to coat.
6. Coat the bottom of a Detroit sheet pan with shredded cheese and top with your macaroni and cheese mixture.
7. Add more cheese and any toppings you’d like to the top (we used hot honey, Frank’s RedHot, bacon, and scallions).
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until you have a golden crust along the bottom and edges, and serve.
Summertime
Sipping
Cool down those dog days of summer with this Tamarind & Grapefruit Poprocket cocktail, made with Curamia Tequila.
INGREDIENTS
2 oz Curamia Tequila Blanco
1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
½ oz tamarind syrup
½ oz agave syrup or simple syrup
Crushed ice
Optional: dash of Tajín or chili powder
Optional: tamarind, citrus popsicle, or grapefruit slice
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a shaker, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, tamarind syrup, and agave.
Shake briefly with ice.
2. Pour over a glass packed with crushed ice.
3. Sprinkle a tiny bit of Tajín or chili powder on top.
4. Garnish with a tamarind, citrus popsicle, or grapefruit slice and enjoy.
Creating a Stir
BY NATALIE MOORE
ACROSS
1. I, in Germany
4. Alt. to Macs
7. X, for one
10. Sandwich often served with mayo
13. Texter’s signoff
14. Boxing legend Muhammad
15. Corporate head honcho, for short
16. Bathroom, in Britain
17. Ogre of Japanese lore
18. Gyrate here and there?
21. Swish brand
23. Org. for Rory McIlroy
24. Woolen fabric
25. Shaping a manicurist’s product?
29. Scoob or Bugs
30. ___’easter
31. Exhalation exclamation
34. Place to get Greek food in Albany
37. Lil ___ X
38. Extinct bird resembling an ostrich
39. Watercoloring a certain village?
44. Slip up
45. General of ChineseAmerican cuisine
46. Flirted on Facebook in 2009, maybe
47. Corporate address abbr.
48. Syracuse SUNY sch.
49. Stated
51. Sketching a king of spades and three of hearts?
56. Cook, as broccoli, maybe
59. See, in Spain
60. Portable, round tent
61. Perform a song based on how it sounds?
65. Punchline of the “interrupting cow” joke
66. Classifieds, for example
67. Gun rights grp.
68. ___ de Janeiro
69. Artist Yoko
70. Weep
71. Body part that, fittingly, rhymes with 70-Across
72. Nestlé ___-Caps
73. Wear proudly, as a logo on a branded T
DOWN
1. Clickable symbols
2. One who assumes the worst of people
3. Poem with rules
4. Word after sleeping or lily
5. Keep time with, as music
6. ’ in the Rain
7. Unreturnable serve
8. Vegan protein powder option
9. Malty beer
10. One of the “somethings” often worn by brides
11. Sole
12. Sweeney ___ (Johnny Depp role)
19. Is able to
20. Hedwig, for one
22. “Rocketman” John
26. Publish a photo on Instagram, say
27. Bothersome insect
28. “Oh my ___”
31. Word most commonly used after a form of “run”
32. ___ Caverns (local attraction)
33. Body part with 27 bones
34. Chimpanzees and others
35. Adjective for a cherry
36. Bring on, as an employee
37. Doctors Without Borders, for one (abbr.)
40. Words before “girl” or “boy” at a gender reveal
41. Containing R-rated content, but online
42. Monumental
43. Show Hoda Kotb recently retired from
48. Short-tailed weasel
49. Mocking smiles
50. “Smaller than ___ of rice”
51. New Girl protagonist Jessica
52. Climbing plant
53. One of Gore Mountain’s double black diamond ski runs
54. Unmanned aircraft
55. Front steps, say
56. Spa City concert venue, briefly
57. Internet abbr. stylized with a semicolon
58. Simple
62. One’s worth five points in rugby
63. Boo
64. Young friend of Winnie the Pooh
Sister Act
At ZAPPIA & FRYER GENERAL DENTISTRY, sisters Kendra Zappia and Morgan Fryer treat their employees—and patients—like family.
It’s not every day you find a dental office that genuinely cares about your wellbeing. It’s also not every day that you encounter a local business run by family members. Zappia & Fryer
General Dentistry—run by sisters Kendra Zappia and Morgan Fryer—encompasses both, with a highly qualified team dedicated to making patients feel listened to and understood.
Though the Mechanicville natives had similar educational paths (they both attended Siena College, then went on to receive their D.D.S. degrees from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine), the sisters didn’t join professional forces until 2016, when Fryer transformed Zappia’s practice—established in 2009— to Zappia & Fryer.
What’s it like working with your sister? Both fun and rewarding, according to Fryer. “We know what the other is thinking, and have similar treatment philosophies—but can also still learn from one another,” she says.
They certainly don’t do it alone, though: It’s the office’s 11 team members who make the practice what it is today. “They truly care about our patients and each other, and they always have positive attitudes,” says Zappia. “Any given day in our office, you’ll hear them laughing and see them hugging patients and creating relationships.”
This is what sets Zappia & Fryer General Dentistry apart from other practices in the area—beyond providing top-tier dental
services, its team members see their patients as people, not just appointments. “Our team is constantly giving advice, sharing book recommendations, fixing zippers, watching kids and pets in the office, and more—all with smiles on their faces,” Fryer says.
Why is the team so inclined to go above and beyond for its patients? The secret might just be in the team culture. “We love doing team lunches to celebrate birthdays, engagements, births, and other milestones,” Zappia says. “On top of that, every fall we take a team trip to the city, and in the winter we all have a spa day. We’ve also done vision board sessions to help us support each other not just professionally but personally, too.”
It’s only natural, then, that this mutual sense of respect, appreciation, and fulfillment carries over into each team member’s relationships with their patients—which is exactly what Zappia intended from the start.
“I’ve worked for other dentists before, and I didn’t like that I couldn’t treat the patient or team the way I thought they deserved to be treated,” says Zappia. “That motivated me to create a dental experience and environment that’s different than the rest, and that makes both patients and team members feel heard, valued, and respected.”
Stop dreading the dentist, because a better, more compassionate experience exists—and it starts with Zappia & Fryer General Dentistry.
The Spinney at Van Dyke
6 Parker Mathusa Place, Delmar 518.689.0162 | livewellgroup.com
Leaving your home doesn’t mean you have to leave your privacy behind. The Spinney at Van Dyke offers a new approach to living for the “55 and better” community, allowing residents to move away from the burdens of owning their own home (and into a cottage with an attached garage, and back and front porches) while providing a sense of privacy in a community setting. The Spinney lifestyle is all about making a smooth transition from owning a home to downsizing and renting. Schedule a visit today to see why!
The Coray Way
At Delmar’s CORAY KITCHEN, “local” is a lifestyle.
To some, it’s the scratch-made, seasonally-driven menu that makes Coray Kitchen in Delmar so special. To others, it’s the warm service or cozy atmosphere. But to most, it’s all of the above. Opened in the winter of 2023, Coray Kitchen is the creation of husband-and-wife team Chef Javier Villatoro and Casey Carroll, who combine culinary expertise and warm hospitality to produce a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Their unique selection of small plates and main dishes incorporates ingredients from local farms or Chef Javier’s own garden wherever possible, which was always the duo’s intention.
“From the food we source to the staff we hire and the community initiatives we contribute to,” Carroll says, “every business decision we make is about being in good relationship with the local community and celebrating what makes the Capital Region so special.”
Stop by to try their seasonal cuisine and cocktails, plus a fresh oyster bar, in an environment that puts local first—always.
360 Delaware Avenue, Delmar | 518.650.6033 | coraykitchen.com
Shaker Pointe at Carondelet
1 Bell Tower Drive, Watervliet 518.250.4890 | shakerpointe.org
If you’re staring down your golden years and aren’t thrilled about the prospect of having to mow a lawn or keep up a house, Shaker Pointe at Carondelet may be for you. A 55+ community located in Watervliet, Shaker Pointe has a range of open-concept one- and two-bedroom floorplan apartments, and offers an all-inclusive lifestyle: Leave the housekeeping, maintenance, cooking, and landscaping to them! Additional services include classes, parties, trips, a community center, an on-site salon, a nature trail, and more.
Attentive Care
5 Computer Drive West, Albany 518.438.6271 | attentivecareservices.com
Are you or someone you love in need of some additional help around the house, whether it’s medical services or assistance with day-to-day tasks? Albany’s Attentive Care, which has been locally owned for more than 45 years, provides all levels of care, from RNs to home companions who can help with personal care services, post-hospital recovery, accident rehabilitation, memory care, disease management, and more. Call or go online today to find out more about what Attentive Care can do for you.
SENIOR
Elsasser’s Beim 111
166 Brownell Road, Greenwich | 518.531.4777 | elsassers111.com
This summer, Elsasser’s Beim 111 isn’t the only place you’ll be able to get Chris Bischoff’s authentic Alsatian food. The beloved Greenwich restaurant will be serving its dishes every Saturday from noon–6pm at South Dominion Vineyard at 190 Brownell Road, Cambridge, NY. Tour the vineyards, taste the wines (which are carefully curated onsite), and let Elsasser’s pair them with gluten-free spätzle topped with delicacies like short ribs and roast pork.
Apple Barrel Store + Café
115 Route 30A, Schoharie | 518.295.7179 | shopapplebarrel.com
Apple Barrel Store + Cafe is a Capital Region destination, not just for its expertly curated gift shop, but also for its onsite café, which has been voted best restaurant in Schoharie County more than 10 times. The café serves up lunch favorites like the Gobbler Valley turkey sandwich and Revolutionary Waldorf wrap (don’t forget the homemade potato chips!) daily, and offers dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. Some standout dishes? The Summer Harvest Alfredo, Southwest Steak Salad, and Cajun Shrimp + Grits.
FOOD & DRINK GUIDE
Volcano Asian BBQ and Hot Pot
2309 Nott Street East, Niskayuna | 518.666.3888 | volcanoalbany.com
Dinner at Volcano Asian BBQ and Hot Pot isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. That’s because while you’ll get all the raw ingredients for an Asian feast, it’s up to you to cook them. (Don’t worry—the menu comes with instructions for how long to cook each item.). Choose hot pot, BBQ or both, and then select the ingredients you’re in the mood for—all parties will get two hours of all-you-can-eat dining. Still not sure how it works? Check out the Niskayuna restaurant for yourself this summer.
Romo’s Pizza
365 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont | 518.449.5871 | romospizzany.com
Homemade is the secret ingredient at Romo’s Pizza. From dough and sauce made in-house daily to scratch-made dressings, meatballs, mozzarella wedges, and more, the award-winning restaurant prides itself on using only the finest ingredients and products on the market. The neighborhood staple, founded in 2009 by Anthony Berghela, also serves hot and cold subs on fresh-baked bread, salads, desserts, and more. Dine in or order takeout to taste the difference that homemade makes.
Whether you need breakfast, lunch or dinner— or a handful of ingredients to make your own delicious meal—Park & Elm has you covered.
Opened in late 2022, the Glens Falls establishment is a market, deli, and restaurant, all under one roof. “I wanted to create a larger and more modern restaurant concept with broader appeal than our former space at The Park Theater,” says Operations Manager Ben Miller of the now-closed fine-dining restaurant Doc’s, which was operated by Park & Elm’s parent company, Park Street Hospitality. “The dining room and market were designed to complement each other while filling different needs within the community.”
When you walk into the shared lobby and turn into the market, you’ll find a foodie’s paradise stocked with locally sourced produce, frozen, seafood, curated butcher offerings, house-baked bread and pastries (did someone say focaccia?!), local and imported cheeses, and specialty goods. There’s also a deli counter at which you can order house-made salads, side dishes, and cold gourmet meals to go, as well as madeto-order breakfast sandwiches, subs, and more. “That has really opened our business up to a whole new audience,” Miller says of the market, which is open 7am–8pm Tuesday–Saturday. “Our background was fine dining, but not everyone wants to spend $55 per person to go out to dinner each week.”
Of course, Miller and his team haven’t given up on the world of fine
dining—they just modified their approach. A month after opening the market, Park & Elm unveiled its dining room, open 5–9pm Tuesday–Thursday and 5–10pm Friday and Saturday, with happy hour drink specials at the bar. “For the dining room,” Miller says, “we kept our staff and all of the pieces of Doc’s Restaurant that the community loved—great food, an eclectic wine program, top-notch cocktails, and excellent service—but in a brighter space with additional seating.” The end product is a casual but elegant space located in a preserved 1900s industrial building, with ample outdoor seating on a spacious, covered patio that has heaters for chillier evenings. The restaurant serves a menu of contemporary American dishes that change seasonally and showcase a melting pot of culinary influences, from French to Italian. “We always have a great steak, and our seasonal risottos are a house favorite,” Miller says. “But you are just as likely to find an amped-up take on fried chicken and collard greens in the fall, and some Southeast Asian influences creeping in through the warmer months.”
And wait—that’s not all. If you want the flavors of Park & Elm at your family reunion, corporate luncheon, or special event, Park Street Hospitality offers an extensive selection of catering packages, available at The Park Theater or any off-venue property. “From large gala events to intimate elopements,” Miller says, “Park Street Hospitality does it all!”
before you go...
A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE
BY JOHN GRAY
On Friday nights in 1970, a 10-year-old John Gray would put on his Scooby-Doo pajamas, curl up on the couch, and watch ABC. And why wouldn’t he, given the network’s killer line-up of The Brady Bunch, Nanny and the Professor and The Partridge Family? All hit shows.
How could that little boy imagine that, 45 years later, he’d meet one of the stars from one of those shows and spend the day with him handing out sandwiches to the needy?
Since we are celebrating culture and the arts in this issue, I thought I’d share the true story of how I met a famous singer and actor who, at one time, dominated pop culture and loved the Capital Region: especially Saratoga.
In the summer of 2015, I was the lone reporter invited to spend the day with a fallen star. His name was David Cassidy.
In the ’70s, Cassidy had a bigger fan club than The Beatles Not only was he on a hit TV show, The Partridge Family, but his song I Think I Love You topped the charts in a half dozen countries.
Jump ahead several decades, the limelight faded away, and Cassidy was struggling with alcohol use and demonstrating a penchant for making bad decisions when he drank.
A DUI arrest in Schodack resulted in him being sentenced to community service. That’s when my phone rang.
The caller said, “David Cassidy is spending his day bringing food to hungry children, would you like to tag along?”
A STAR IS BORN The Partridge Family cast; (top) David Cassidy performs at a concert in
When I asked, “why me?” she replied, “Because I know you’ll be fair.”
It was bizarre, meeting a person I watched religiously on television as a child. Older, the face more craggy, his eyes much clearer than the mugshot the local media had been running since his arrest.
I asked how he was doing. He replied, “I haven’t felt this good in 20 years. There is a light in my life, helping people. It’s a beautiful thing.”
As we drove from a trailer park to small towns, Cassidy told me, “Please know today isn’t just about fulfilling an obligation. As a citizen, I’ve always felt it’s my responsibility to give back. Look at what I’ve gotten in my life.”
It was striking watching a man who could fill arenas 40 years earlier, talking to children and young parents who had no clue who he was. He seemed to love it.
I told him my favorite episode of The Partridge Family was one where his character, Keith Partridge, meets a young woman who had never heard of him. His ego takes a hit, but he learns to be humble.
“I loved that episode too,” he replied. “It mirrored my life.”
I mentioned his daughter, actress Katie Cassidy, and how well she was doing, and he lit up with a father’s pride. Then the smile retreated, and his eyes revealed a pain I hadn’t seen earlier. I didn’t ask, but my heart told me that this was a broken man trying to put the pieces of his life back together, knowing past mistakes left a mark on those he loved.
When the food was gone, we shook hands, and I resisted the urge to ask for a selfie, simply thanking him for sharing his day.
Two years later, I woke to the news that David Cassidy had died. His final words to his daughter Katie: “So much wasted time.”
In a world where we all sin and seek redemption, for one fleeting afternoon, I believe David found it, down a dirt road in Saratoga County, handing out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to hungry children.
Massapequa Park in 2015.
