ACE PEOPLE

LIVING ONLINE Series: Liam Singer, Composer | Musician | Venue Owner

February 22, 2021 By Corey Aldrich

In the spirit of collaboration and best practice sharing, I thought it would be interesting to share perspectives from our fellow creatives to see how folks are getting along as we all craft new ways to practice our craft. This week I interviewed composer, musician and venue owner Liam Singer. He tells us how he has been holding up, and how he has adapted to the restrictions on gatherings and live music. For more on my LIVING ONLINE series, click here.

You are unique. You represent as a creative, and as someone who holds space for the creative community with your coffee shop HiLo and restaurant / performance venue The Avalon Lounge. How are you finding a balance in all those roles right now?

My wife and I opened HiLo in 2017, and Avalon in 2019, so during all those years there wasn’t much of a balance; my creative life was on hold, save for the creative force we were putting into the businesses. It sort of became a “water water everywhere” scenario for me, because I was surrounded by my dream community of musicians who were ready to collaborate and play, and I had zero time or energy!

This past year, due to some downtime from the pandemic, I did manage to get a small album made which felt great. But now my wife and I are going to have a kid. So I’m ready to say bye-bye to creative time for a little while again (which I am completely at peace with).

How has the pandemic affected your businesses and community?

Our community has been pretty resilient through all this – most businesses in Catskill have found a way to stay open. I’d say the biggest auxiliary challenge our community has faced is rising home and rent prices. This is directly due to the newfound popularity of this area. In terms of our own businesses, beyond the financial stress, the biggest bummer has been that they were both conceived of as extremely social spaces. So, we can’t really fulfill their intended purpose right now. Even though we’re keeping them alive, it sort of feels like an extended act of limping along.

The bar at Avalon Lounge. Photo by Alon Koppel.

How is this affecting your venues financially?

HiLo, our cafe, has returned to near pre-pandemic levels in terms of daily coffee sales. A lot of new people have moved to Catskill and are more are visiting on the weekends. This has offset lost sales from those of our regulars who aren’t comfortable coming out right now. Evening sales at HiLo are way down for many reasons, including the current NY state laws that prohibit selling alcoholic drinks without food.

At Avalon, we have just been functioning as a takeout joint through all of this. That space is too daunting to try and operate under the covid-era legal standards of NY. And, too, the standards by which we would personally feel safe and responsible. We would basically need to hire someone to monitor each room, which wouldn’t make any sense. And the place was really made as a performance venue, which it just can’t be right now. So that’s been a big financial hit. The silver lining has been that a lot of people who didn’t really know about our food now realize that we run a dope Korean kitchen in addition to being a performance space.

Overall we’ve survived thanks to two PPP loans and a loan from the SBA. Thankfully, we had the understanding of our landlords and The Bank of Greene County during the early months of the pandemic. Otherwise we’d be toast right now.

Have you been able to find progress over the last year in your own creative endeavors? Explain.

Yes, as I mentioned, I did manage to make a record last year called “The Ocean.” It was a collection of songs I’d sketched out over previous years but hadn’t had time to complete. I kept the production modest – It’s mostly piano-based, with some string and vocal overdubs – so I was able to approach recording in a covid-safe way. I made it with a local engineer, Tyler Wood, who recorded, mixed, and mastered the whole thing. We tracked piano at Scott Petito’s studio, NRS Recording, and the rest at Tyler’s home studio.

I funded the project with a Kickstarter and self-released it… I really wanted to get it made and I’m very proud of it. But I’m past the point of needing or expecting a press push around my stuff – I’m just glad that the people who find it do. It’s very much an ensemble piece with several guest vocalists making appearances. I really look forward to the day I can play the whole thing live.

How are you coping with the whole thing in general?

I’m as susceptible as anyone else to the free-floating anxiety and weirdness that’s out there right now. But I’ve had some good things to focus on in my own life. First, making the album and then getting ready to have our baby has kept me in my own little dream world. It has been frustrating – or I guess I’d say exhausting – as business owners to be put in the position by NY state of being daily safety enforcers re: masks, etc. I’m not sure what a better option would be. But that aspect of things, as well as having to sort of reinvent our businesses every few months, has been tiring.

What’s your plan for 2021?

Babies, dancing outside, who can say? Basically planning 2 months ahead at this point, no more.

What advice would you give to other venue owners and/or musicians struggling with the same challenge right now?

I have little in the way of inspiration or advice there. I will say this: we hosted a couple of shows at Avalon last fall where bands played on our roof, and the audience stood out on the sidewalk below. Really wonderful musicians. All were local players who — pre pandemic — an audience might have come out for and enjoyed. OR, they might have stayed at home and thought “I’ll catch them next month.” In this case, the audience definitely showed up. Their level of attention/emotional involvement in the performance was extremely intense, bordering on spiritual. It was beautiful to see.

The general scarcity of live performance definitely brought home the fact that they were actually witnessing something amazing. Any small venue owner/promoter who is in it because they truly love music knows the struggle of booking a great band and then wanting to scream into the void when you can’t get an audience out to see them. And I have no idea how long it will take. But, when live music is a thing again, I do see a new era in which performance is truly valued by the audience, and not taken for granted. I’m looking forward to that.

MORE ON COREY ALDRICH

A longtime ACE Contributor, Corey works out of Troy, New York. He runs a freelance consultancy for all aspects of brand development and business process management / development. Current projects include cash flow analysis, strategic market planning, 3rd party project oversight, public relations, event planning and front end visual brand design / design-build projects. He has a focus in not-for-profit arts and mission oriented organizations. In his free time he works on honing his craft as a photographer and guitarist. (corey@2440designstudio.com)

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5 CapNY Up-And-Coming Musical Artists You Need To Know About

February 10, 2021 By upstatecreative

There is no doubt that the talent we have in CapNY is filled to the brim. From Warren and Washington Counties, down to Columbia and Greene Counties, there’s no shortage of creative talent in any field or industry. When it comes to music, these five individuals are shining their bright lights across the region and beyond. Get to know them, listen to their music, follow them on social media, and let’s show our up-and-coming local musical artists some love.

L.Y.S., Rensselaer

Elyssa, or L.Y.S. for “Love Your Self,” is a super dope artist and person. She classifies herself as a “bedroom pop artist,” meaning she makes the type of music you listen to at home, by yourself when you’re in a reflective state. Her music venture started before the pandemic, and the isolation inspired her to build her own home studio, with audio and production capabilities. L.Y.S. has music out now, and will be releasing more on Soundcloud and other platforms throughout 2021.

IG / Soundcloud

Ohzhe, Albany

Ohzhe has performed on the majority of Upstate stages that I go to. I consider him a lyricist. He’s the definition of hip hop. He’s also a father. A true jack of all trades, he has his own home setup and does his own visuals through his company, Vault 7 Media. Ohzhe releases his music on Bandcamp, which is geared toward up-and-coming artists releasing music. You can also find him on 518 Mixtape, a musical collection of local artists, which is available on Bandcamp.

Amani O., aka Amani the Poet or Amani the Femcee, Troy

Performer Amani O. calls themself a “raptivist.” They’re a rapper and a poet, pushing a cultural revolution with or without a beat. They have a project out right now called “Raptivist Music & Rebel Poems” – out on all platforms. They’re also featured on 518 Mixtape.

IG / website & to listen…

Symone Noelle, Saratoga Springs

I consider Symone Noelle a blooming singer and songwriter. She has a soothing tone and song selection. Along with being a musician, she owns an architectural design business, @taylornoelledesign. She doesn’t have music out yet, but she does a whole bunch of covers on her Instagram and will be dropping music in 2021, along with an interview on Youtube with yours truly, DJ Hollyw8d.

IG / website

Gian Life, Albany

Gian Life is an instrumentalist, plays piano and guitar, a lyricist, can hop on a beat and start rapping which is super cool. He does it all. Along with musician, he’s a front line worker, working at a local hospital and believe it or not, is a great bread maker. Bread, as in dough, yes, bread maker. He has music dropping on all platforms in 2021, but in the meantime, you can listen to his music on Instagram – he goes live all the time.

IG / Soundcloud

Stay tuned for the launch of The Small Room Series, a monthly show in which CapNY musical artists from all genres will share their music and their stories, produced and hosted by DJ Hollyw8d.

By: DJ Hollyw8d

DJ Hollyw8d is an influencer who curates shows for independent artists and hosts a radio segment on WCDB 90.9 FM to highlight the arts, especially music. HollyW8D quickly learned that with being a DJ, it’s more than music; it’s a platform to move not only bodies but also the human spirit, to change the mood of an entire room, to share light with other artists and space with people who share a passion for music. Follow him on social: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, Website

LIVING ONLINE Spotlight: Performer Ryder Cooley

February 9, 2021 By Corey Aldrich

Ryder Cooley portrait by Julie McCarthy — Photo by Julie McCarthy

In the LIVING ONLINE Series, ACE Collaborator Corey Aldrich interviews artists on the the loss of the in person LIVE performance. First up is performer extraordinaire Ryder Cooley. For more on LIVING ONLINE, click here.

Who

Ryder Cooley

What musical style are you?

My style is very whimsical and doesn’t fit into a box, but I call it dark carnival dream music, which is a cousin of dark cabaret.

How long have you been playing live music in front of an audience?

Over 20 years.

How are you coping?

Currently my main gig is a virtual variety show at Club Helsinki in Hudson NY called ‘Wish You Were Hear.‘ This has given me something creative to focus on every month. Also, going outdoors, running in the woods, sleeping, cats, film noir movies, playing music with Jon B. Woodin and collaborating with Lisa M. Thomas (Thin Edge Film Productions) on videos, like the Dust Bowl Faeries’ Candy Store video, which we released last November.

How has the pandemic affected your artistic practice?

Live, embodied exchange between audience and performer is integral to my work. The virtual shows have been a big adjustment, like a dream that you’re trying to wake up from; empty chairs, no chatter at the bar, no hugs after the show, no audience, did it ever even happen? On the bright side, I’m really so grateful to be able to perform, especially at Club Helsinki Hudson, a place that, as a performer, I call home. I don’t create art for money, or for how many likes I get on a social media post. The shallowness of virtual exchange has been challenging.

Yet, the pandemic has forced me to slow down and reflect upon what is really important in life. I see more clearly the things I’m grateful for, the simple things, like my health, body, family, friends, community, having a roof over my head. Also, more than ever I recognize what a gift (and a privilege) it is to be an artist, and I don’t want to waste that. So, I’m trying my hardest to adapt and create during this time. And if/when we return to live music and performance, I will certainly never take it for granted, knowing as I do now that it can vanish at any moment.

Dust Bowl Faeries by Corey Aldrich — Photo by Corey Aldrich

How is this affecting you financially?

I never made much money, so I am already an expert at being broke! But I have also been very lucky, I’ve had enough part-time work to slide by on and generous patrons to keep me afloat, thank you universe!

What’s your plan for 2021?

My plan for 2021 is to expat to a tropical faerie land, far far away, where equality and ecology and species diversity are the most important things, and my 80 year old parents can come, and my friends, collaborators and cats too – where I can burn all my masks and flush my iphone down the toilet and delete all of my social media accounts. But if none of that happens, my backup plan is to get out of dodge, do some travelling, and hopefully start playing live shows again.

What advice would you give to other musicians struggling with the same challenge right now?

Go outside, play music, write songs, cast spells…

COREY ALDRICH, a longtime ACE Contributor, works out of Troy, New York where he runs a freelance consultancy that entails all aspects of brand development and business process management / development. Current projects include cash flow analysis, strategic market planning, 3rd party project oversight, public relations, event planning and front end visual brand design / design-build projects. He has a focus in not-for-profit arts and mission oriented organizations. In his free time he works on honing his craft as a photographer and guitarist. (corey@2440designstudio.com)

5 Amazing Makers and Doers in Washington County

January 26, 2021 By wordpress

The creatives – our makers and doers in Washington County – who call this region home draw inspiration from the natural beauty. The sprawling small towns within a largely rural landscape offer a relaxed pace of life and collaborative spirit.

The Cultural Heartbeat of Washington County

There is a loving, down to earth pride in the artisans and organizers here. A blend of longtime residents and recent arrivals, they all have a part in shaping a distinctive cultural heartbeat.

Sweetbrier Farms, Plant Caretaker and Herbal Product Maker: Stephinie Miner

Location: Salem

Sweetbrier Farms was established five years ago out of Stephinie Miner’s passion for making safe and natural herbal remedies. Her products connect people to the power of plants and wild places.

After two decades of traveling with a family of six via the Coast Guard, Stephinie and her husband Joe wanted to lay down roots. Washington County offered everything they wanted, with access to nearby cities, as well as abundant nature and tranquility. Sweetbrier is situated on thirty-five acres of mostly wooded land in Salem. The farm boasts two dozen varieties of medicinal herbs, and a sizable vegetable garden. And, they nurture a small orchard, cultivated through permaculture and biodynamic practices. Stephinie and Joe live in balance with the resident wildlife, too. A good bit of rough pasture is left for neighboring pollinators and forest animals to enjoy.

The Sweetbrier catalogue is ever growing. Mainstays include herbal tinctures, salves and organic soap featuring plants grown or wild-harvested on their land. Additionally, they run a unique apothecary style CSA, providing members with seasonally curated herbal wellness goods. Stephinie and Joe are also constructing a workshop and guest cabin for “farm stays,” so visitors can enjoy the landscape for themselves.. Plans for herbalism classes and apprenticeship programs are also in the works.

Find Sweetbrier Farm herbal products on their website as well as at the Cambridge Co-op in Cambridge.

Hubbard Hall, Executive and Artistic Director: David Snider

Location: Cambridge

David Snider is Hubbard Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director, managing both operational and creative dimensions of the institution. He believes in art’s potential for individual and collective transformation. “Feeling and seeing how the work affects people’s lives” is what drives him.

Hubbard Hall was established in 1878 by Mary and Martin Hubbard as a performance venue and community town square. Hubbard Hall proudly features one of the country’s few remaining operational 19th century vaudeville theaters. The organization’s mission — to develop, sustain and promote the cultural life of its rural community — is evident in its eclectic year-round programming. Hubbard Hall is the largest arts institution in Washington County.

Diverse Programming

Multidisciplinary courses in the arts are available for folks of all ages and skill levels. High school drama club students are coached and nurtured on the historic stage. Artists in residence share work in progress with Cambridge residents. And it’s not just local talent: renowned professionals such as composer Rupert Holmes and dancer Twyla Tharpe have performed here, too. Hubbard’s LGBTQIA+ monthly potluck initiative, Breaking Bread, fosters regional relationship building.

After thirteen years of life in Washington D.C., Snider and his family relocated to Cambridge, captivated by the town’s close knit social fabric and natural beauty. For Snider, Hubbard Hall carries both great responsibility and opportunity. By enthusiastically supporting artists and artistry, he is an important leader of the creative economy of the county.

Coffee And, Owner and Operator: Ashley McCuin

Location: Cambridge

Ashley McCuin’s artisanal bakery business, Coffee And, provides customers with homespun nourishment. Their specialities span from the nostagiac to the nouveau. Ashley’s Everything Bagel Scones include chunks of cream cheese and everything bagel topping. Kouign amanns — muffin shaped croissants topped with a satisfying sugar glaze — sit alongside stellar rye rolls. Coffee And is short form for “coffee and a treat while chatting with a friend.” It was a regular phrase of Ashley’s partner’s grandmother. Ashley hopes her baked goods will encourage patrons to take a moment of self care and relaxation amidst the daily grind.

Embracing Possibilities

Ashley was raised in Cambridge, and returned after a handful of years in Burlington, Vermont. Motivated by a love for and familiarity with the area, she shares, “I know there’s a future here in these small towns. I walk down Main Street and imagine all the possibilities.” Ashley is a strong advocate for small business and shopping local. Ashley has a weekly presence at the Cambridge Valley’s Farmers Market and uses other local distribution methods. Through this dedication, Coffee And continues to grow and build its network, a testament to the power of rural community support.

You can find Ashley’s Coffee And products on Fridays at the Cambridge Food Co-op in Cambridge and Iron Coffee in Hoosic Falls. Visit her on Sundays at her farm stand located at the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market in Cambridge.

Comfort Food Community, Executive Director: Devin Bulger

Location: Greenwich

Devin Bulger founded Comfort Food Community in 2014 to address food scarcity amongst low-income individuals and families in Washington County. After several years in Colorado engaging in homelessness advocacy work, Devin returned to his hometown of Greenwich, where he recognized the unmet need. Comfort Food Community now provides low-income residents with high quality nourishment. The organization centers their efforts on local pantries in Greenwich and Cossayuna. And, they run a community garden space in the village of Greenwich.

Collaborating with Community

CFC’s food recovery brings staff and farms together to collect produce that would otherwise be composted or fed to animals. A network of food pantries and partners then distribute the produce to residents. Also, a partnership with Hudson Headwaters Health Network and CDPHP helped CFC introduce community health programs, including CFC’s Food Farmacy and Produce Prescription.

Greenwich’s slow pace and neighborly atmosphere provide fertile ground for Comfort Food Community’s impactful programs.

Esoteric Energy Design, Founder and Designer: Rachel Bauscher

Location: Coila

Rachel Bauscher founded Esoteric Energy Design on a desire to blend natural beauty and wearable art. She lives in the tiny hamlet of Coila, a stone’s throw from the village of Cambridge. The location affords ample access to organic material for her work. Robin feathers from an afternoon walk find their way into jewel-toned leather earrings later that evening. A quartz-veined stone from the Battenkill River and vintage beads from a second hand store will find similar use.

Rachel also designs custom jewelry, likening the experience to pulling a tarot card specific to her client. Through her process, a piece emerges, and the wearer is supported in “feeling seen.”

Rachel returned to Washington County eight years ago with her family of five. She appreciates that her children have the opportunity to grow alongside the plant and animal life found right outside of their doorstep.

Written by: Rio Riera Arbogast

Rio Riera Arbogast is a queer, non-binary Cuban and Irish/Alsatian author currently based in the Capital Region. They are especially drawn to dynamics of beauty alive in nature, people and the creative.

10 Reasons We Love Being Single in CapNY

January 6, 2021 By upstatecreative

Becky Daniels of Albany, 34, and Gabby Fisher of Schenectady, 28, are two single, boss women who ROCK – and love being single. Now, they want to share with you why they love living in and experiencing CapNY solo. We’re not the only ones who think this place is perfect for free spirits, Insurantly ranked the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metro the nation’s 7th Best City for Single Millennials. With over 71% of millennials in CapNY living single – whether you love ridin’ solo or are looking for a partner, this is the place to be.

Why Becky Loves Being Single in CapNY:

I am a near life-long resident of the Capital Region, growing up in Schenectady but recently moving to Downtown Albany. Here, I have built an incredible life living and loving in the 518. And the dating scene is great. however, being single here is pretty wonderful, too. I take great care of my furchild, Izzie, even if I struggle to keep plants alive,. So whether you’re looking for love — or are happier solo — here are just a few reasons to love being single in #CapNY.

1. CapNY is full of opportunities to meet new people

When I moved back after graduate school, I was lucky to have a great group of friends from high school to come back to. But I still wanted to expand my professional circle, find a mentor… and maybe some potential dates. There are so many ways to build a network. I found my people through joining the Palette Cafe Community and Junior League of Albany, attending events with our awesome local chambers and young professionals groups. Volunteering with community organizations including the local St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital team, New Leaders Council, and Capital Region Sponsor a Scholar also helped.

2. You can make a difference here

There are so many ways to feed your passion for making our community a better place. Whatever causes you might be interested in supporting, you can find it all here. Living in a community with such a vibrant nonprofit scene means that there are always an abundance of opportunities to lend your talents and treasures to worthy causes. For example, serving on nonprofit boards can be a rewarding way to enhance your own skills and experiences while meeting new people and making positive change in the world. As a current board member for the Schenectady City School District Education Foundation, I support our fundraising events, help distribute grant money to teachers and work with the other board members to guide the organization and make the biggest impact possible on the teachers and students we serve.

3. The housing options are incredible

I’ve rented, I’ve owned and I’ve even crashed with my parents for a month or two in between (spoiler: it wasn’t that bad!). I’ve recently returned to renting and love living in such a wonderful, vibrant downtown. Moral of the story? There are an abundance of affordable housing options in CapNY for a happy being single person.

Whatever living situation you’re looking for, it’s here. And, while moving can certainly be stressful, it’s fun to be able to try out different situations to see what suits you best before you take a leap and settle down in a more permanent situation (if that’s what your goal is).

4. Learning opportunities abound

There are tons of ways to have fun and learn something new at the same time! As an added bonus, dorking out over something you enjoy is a great way to meet new friends and potential dates with similar interests!

Here are some favorites that I’ve tried or come highly recommended by friends:

Education institutions
Health & wellness organizations
Nonprofits that offer free and low-cost training on a variety of topics
Local historical societies that host tours and workshops throughout the year (the haunted ones around Halloween are the BEST!)

5. There is always something to do

Great Flats Nature Trail, great place to go for a walk!

It’s pretty hard to be bored in CapNY! When I’m feeling outdoorsy, I love going for a run or walk on one of the waterfront bike trails. For a fancier mood, there are some incredible places to get a little dressed up and enjoy great food and service. I also absolutely love live music and comedy and there is no shortage of that here.

In post-covid times, I recommend keeping an eye on the Funny Bone in Albany, to catch some pretty big names and local comedy talent. Open Mic Nights at the Comedy Works in Saratoga are also always a good time! For live music – the free shows in the summer at places like Mohawk Harbor, Central Park and Freedom Park in Schenectady and Empire State Plaza in Albany are always fun. And for a bigger night out, SPAC is always a favorite! Want to try something new? Some of my favorite new activities include ziplining and axe-throwing — which are both super fun with “just friends” or a date.

Why Gabby Loves Being Single in CapNY

Ah, to be single in CapNY… I love this place and I think it’s an especially dope place to be single. I was in a relationship all of high school and college. When that relationship ended, I moved back to Albany – where I was born and raised – and found a new love for this place and the people in it. My relationship with myself, and this region, is blossoming every day. It was difficult to narrow down the list, but here are five reasons I love being single in CapNY.

6. Affordability

In October 2020, I bought a multi-family home in Schenectady. The fact that I can afford to buy this place as a single woman is huge. I love being single and living on my own. Plus, I live within a mile of two bustling downtown areas – restaurants, bars, boutiques…whether I feel like riding my bike to grab a bite by myself or meeting friends, the location is perfect.

7. CapNY transplants galore

An influx of interesting, ambitious people are moving to CapNY from all over in crazy numbers! I swear I meet a CapNY transplant, someone who has moved to CapNY from another place, at least once a week. It makes for a dynamic, diverse community. People of all backgrounds are here for many different reasons and it’s one of the things that make this place great.

8. We have the best first date spots

From a solo dinner on a farm, to renting Kayaks on the Mohawk River, to grabbing a local beer at a dive bar, there is never a shortage of first-date spots. Trust me, you’ll never have to take your new Bumble date to the place you took your last Bumble date! Stay tuned, Becky and I will put together some of our favorite first date spots soon.

9. Bored? Never

I’ve lived in three cities in CapNY in my lifetime – Albany, Troy, and Schenectady. Each city has a distinct vibe, a unique character, and different communities of people. I hear from some friends, especially single friends, who live in other cities that they’re “over” living where they are. They’ve felt they’ve experienced all there is to experience in their current city and are ready for a new adventure being single in a new city. I’ve traveled to places all over the world and I’ve never felt that way about CapNY. If I ever get bored of Schenectady (highly doubtful), or feel like I need a different vibe, I’ll just move to a different city or town within CapNY.

10. This is where I’m from and this is where my heart is

Okay, going to get a little sappy on this one…I was born and raised in CapNY. My entire family lives here and has lived here for generations. Being single isn’t equivalent to being lonely. In fact, quite the opposite. I’m surrounded by loved ones who I can always count on to make me feel loved and at home. I can’t imagine living – or loving being single – anywhere else in the world.

Stay tuned for the launch of Becky and Gabby’s brand, Capital Heart Connection! More singles content to come!