ACE PLACES

Creating Upstate : 5 Questions for 5 Capital Region Creatives

November 15, 2022 By Jonah Michel

I asked the same five questions to five different creatives in an attempt to understand exactly why they’ve decided to plant a flag in the Capital Region’s Creative Economy. We tapped in with Screen Printers, Pizza Makers, Brand Developers and Social Media Entrepreneurs. Each person brings in their own unique ingredient helping us to write the recipe that will continue to feed the souls of folks around the Capital Region and beyond.

Lets meet the team…

**Joe Bonilla** – *Managing Partner, Senior Media Director, and Co-Founder* at **Relentless Awareness**
Photo: Facebook

Drew : 5ifth Place – Screen Printer

Drew is the Founder of the local clothing brand ‘Fifth Place’ an Albany based lifestyle brand. Drew is also host of his own podcast and is a regular personality on Two Buttons Deep.

Cristian Virgiglio : Sovrana Pizza – Creative Director

Cristian Virgiglio was born into Albany’s pizza culture and 20-something years later has taken the scene by storm. As Creative Director, Cristian collaborates with local artists and artisans whether it be on merch, new menu items, or pop-up pizza events.

Salah Harris : Career InTouch – Founder, Executive Director

Salah was born and raised in Albany’s South End neighborhood and is currently in his Senior year at the University of Albany. He founded “Career InTouch” and currently serves as a Youth Program Facilitator at The RED Bookshelf. Salah has previously Interned at the Albany Mayor’s Office of Equity & Community Engagement as well as at the Office of Senator Schumer.

Joe Bonilla : Relentless Awareness – Managing Partner, Senior Media Director, and Co-Founder

Joe is the managing partner, senior media director, and co-founder of Relentless. Bonilla was also a regular panelist of WAMC Northeast Public Radio’s nationally-syndicated and award-winning news and discussion program The Roundtable, co-host of CivMix’s The Mix podcast with former journalist Liz Benjamin, and presently is a recurring guest on the Two Button’s Deep Podcast : ‘Behind The Buttons’

Isabella Marchese : Marchese – Entrepreneur and Content Creator

Isabella is currently enrolled in Harvard Business School Online, pursuing a certification in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. While in college, Isabella worked in the U.S. House of Representatives and The Senate. After that, she decided to try her hand in media and worked at a campaign firm and SiriusXM. Now, you can find her co-working at different coffee shops around the Capital Region.

PRO-TIP: Keep your eyes peeled for relevant hyperlinks scattered throughout.

**Salah Harris** – *Founder, Executive Director* at **Career InTouch** | Photo: **Eddie Quinn**

What is something you’ve discovered within the Capital Region’s Creative Economy that you may not find anywhere else?

Drew: Affordable Rent with places next to me within walking distance.

Cristian: People tend to call Albany, Smallbany, and that’s exactly what I think makes the Capital Region so special. Being in Albany gives a sense of one giant family, the community itself is so supportive. My family’s pizzeria, Sovranas, has been open since 1985, and without the community I don’t know where we’d be. (Sovranas was featured on TMZ in 2015)

Salah: One of the most unique aspects of our creative economy here in the Capital Region is our ability to cultivate with local resources and uplift as well as collaborate with local organizations. I can recall working with a local school on a fall harvest event and Nine Pin provided (youth appropriate!) ciders. As an Albany native, and fan of the brand you have to admire the sense of community and effort from local businesses.

Joe: The sense of true and authentic collaboration between those in the creative economy.

Isabella: There is so much opportunity here! This creator space in Albany is itching for more people to join!

**Isabella Marchese** – *Entrepreneur and Content Creator* at **Marchese** | Photo: Provided

What is a piece of advice you would give a fellow creator who is considering planting their flag in the Capital Region?

Drew: It’s on you to make what’s best out of any area. Ask yourself ‘Why am I moving?‘ and ‘Does this place suit me?’ Then hit me up when you get here – @5ifthplace. I’ll show you around 🏆

AUTHORS NOTE: Listen to Drew’s latest podcast episode where he chops it up with $300 Million Dollar ex-marijuana kingpin turned Author, Eric Canori – the man who buried millions of dollars in the Adirondacks, and snag a copy of his recent memoir: Pressure.

Cristian: Believe in your idea and believe in Albany, I can’t tell you how many times I hear people say they don’t believe there’s value here, or that we’re in the shadows of bigger cities. It drives me crazy because if you just look AroundAlbany, it’s full of variety in creators whether it’s food, music, art, or clothing. The Capital Region has such a personality and it continues to grow.

Salah: Endurance beats enthusiasm. Albany is a place that takes patience, you have to be willing to put in the long-term goals and planning. We have a diverse community of leaders and people, learning to resonate with their needs and how you fit with local partners will make you better off in understanding what you can create for the benefit of the Capital Region.

Joe: Get out there and meet people. We are all so interconnected and there is always an opportunity to collaborate and work on projects together. Don’t think of them as competition; think of them as project partners.

AUTHORS NOTE: Here’s a great example of what would be two competing parties, collaborating and involving others in the quest to address the Central Warehouse situation in Downtown Albany.

Isabella: This is the time because there’s still space! The small businesses here need you to help support and highlight them. Plus, we’re only two hours from Boston and NYC so if you ever need big city vibes, we’re pretty close.

AUTHORS NOTE: There are whispers that additional service between Albany and Boston may be coming our way. This would be huge – almost as good as high-speed rail!

**Drew** (*right*) – *Screen Printer* at **5ifth Place** shakes it up with **Stewart Shops’** *President* **Gary Dake**
Photo: Provided

Which Capital Region city do you think has the best opportunities for creators, and why?

Drew: Troy – They let graffiti live. Which allows people to see creativity outside. Instead of the daily mundane scenery.

Cristian: Albany for sure! The city is constantly evolving, it’s very welcoming to all demographics. Albany also has creators’ work showcased all over the city with murals, and the thriving Lark Street is mostly run with local creators’ businesses.

Salah: Again, as an Albany native and SUNY Albany student, I’ll have to go with Albany. We’re home to a rich history, diverse communities, amazing architecture, a strong City Hall and presence in government, and most importantly an abundance of opportunities for creators interested in expanding their network and growing within our city. (Not to mention we are the Capital!)

Joe: Albany for sure and overall. But I would say Cohoes and Rensselaer are great places due to the untapped potential in both of those cities. Nothing against the bigger cities in the region, but a small cities like those that have grit, determination, and history can make for a great canvas.

AUTHORS NOTE: Cohoes is making wise investments in their downtown – when was the last time you’ve checked out Remsen Street? That place is begging for street art – a canvas in more ways than one.

Isabella: Troy – I love Troy. It grows every single day and new small businesses are popping up all the time. There are so many creative people and spaces there.

**Cristian Virgiglio** – *Creative Director* at **Sovrana Pizza** | Photo: Provided

The Capital Region would be a better place for creators if…

Drew: Downtown Albany serviced people past 4pm.

Cristian: If we had a physical space to create. In many larger cities such a Philadelphia they have REC centers, which allows creators to have a space to do what they love. The REC centers are great for creators because it provides all the equipment you would need. Such as podcast space, lectures on the creator economy, and concert halls.

Salah: It continues what we have been doing as of late, creating spaces and being a hub for a talented and diverse generation of creators, leaders, and innovators moving the Capital Region in the right direction.

EDITORS NOTE: If you’re ever A roundTroy and want to work in a collaborative environment, or need a podcast studio, or just some wifi and several hours – hit up the Troy Innovation Garage. Thank me later!

Joe: We invested more in public art and things for young people to go into.

Isabella: If we had more access to get together and build a community with each other.

**Sovrana’s Pizza and Deli** in Albany, NY | Photo: Facebook

Where can people find your favorite slice of pizza in the Capital Region? 😀

AUTHORS NOTE: Troy Business Owner and Entrepreneur Vic Cristopher says something along the lines of: There’s no such thing as the best pizza, just your favorite pizza.

Drew: Sovranas 💎 Thank me later.

Crisitan: I’m a bit biased, but I’d have to say my family’s pizzeria, Sovranas! Other than the pizza being delicious, by just walking into the place you can really feel the charm of the business itself.

Salah: I’d have to say it’s between Pizza Bella in Westgate Plaza or Belt Line 3 near Center Square.

Joe: Donna’s Italian. The Broccoli Bob is too good.

Isabella: Bacchus Wood-Fired, always.

Jonah Michel can be found creatively connecting in the City of Albany. Additionally, he focuses on ‘stuff worth talking about’ around the Capital Region and beyond as a core member and producer for the media outlet Two Buttons Deep.

IG: @aroundalbany | @twobuttonsdeep

Saratoga Sounds Under ‘Acoustic Clouds’ : Re-envisioning the Arthur Zankel Music Center

October 12, 2022 By Corey Aldrich

*The Arthur Zankel Music Center | Photo: Provided*

The Zankel Music Center on the Skidmore College Campus opened in 2010. The 54,000 sq-ft facility features the 600-seat, acoustically brilliant Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall. In addition, the building also houses a 100-seat lecture and recital hall, rehearsal and practice rooms, and the Skidmore Music Department. It’s not uncommon to walk into Zankel and hear the sublime sounds of piano, violin, or operatic singing floating through the corridors. A campus and community asset, it welcomes roughly 25,000 visitors each year.

*The Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall at The Zankel Music Center | Photo: Provided*

THE MISSION

The mission at Zankel is two-fold: 1) to strengthen it’s role as a cultural resource for upstate New York by refining and expanding it’s world-class programming, and 2) to diversify and transform Skidmore’s music program in collaboration with faculty. The concert hall features tunable acoustic “clouds” and a look resembling Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall (named for Arthur and his wife, Judy). A unique offering among regional venues, hits a sweet spot in capacity, aesthetics, and experience of sound. A regional best kept secret outside of the Saratoga Springs community, one which the facilities newest addition Zhenelle LeBel looks to change.

Zhenelle LeBel joined Skidmore College as the Managing Director of the Arthur Zankel Music Center on August 1 of this year. Previously, she was with an important Troy based performance space, the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where she was a senior arts administrator for the curatorial team.

*Zhenelle LaBel : Managing Director at The Arthur Zankel Music Center | Photo: Provided*

PROGRAMMING NOTES

Programming at the Zankel spans a range of musical genres, from Western classical to jazz to music from cultures around the globe. The audience reflects that in its multi-generational and multi-ethnic composition. In coming seasons, Zhenelle states that they will interrogate these genres with questions like: What happens if you center Black experiences and expressions of classical music? Where are the women in jazz? Is the term “world music” problematic, from the perspective of American colonialism? They plan on supporting these dialogues with lectures, screenings, and related convenings with the aim to include a diversity of voices.

*John Batista and Stay Human | Photo: Rudy Lu*

Zankel is bustling with the student body daily, between students enrolled in Music programs and a staff of around 30 student employees who help run events. They also facilitate collaborations across departments, working with faculty and their students to engage campus with programs that complement the events–master classes and workshops, screenings, talks, and exhibits, understanding that these interdisciplinary activities enrich the arts for all.

“These collaborations have a direct impact on student’s awareness of and interest in performances at Zankel, and are what I think contribute most to their attendance. Unlike our public audience, who attends primarily for entertainment, the Skidmore community shows up because in most cases, they’ve gained a new way of relating to the music and are curious. We love to inspire curiosity!” Zhenelle LeBel

A RICH PEDIGREE

The Zankel has had laudable roster of talent perform on stage including: Branford Marsalis, Jon Baptiste, Emanuel Ax, Ani DiFranco, the Indigo Girls, Paul Simon, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. In addition to presenting student recitals each semester, which is seen as an essential service to provide burgeoning artists the opportunity to perform for an audience, they also welcome performances by professionals who may be emerging in their field.

*Recent performer Taína Asili | Photo: Nathan Bogardus*

As for near future developments and focus, Zhenelle says, “Next year will bring exciting changes to our program, with new artistic residencies and a shift toward more multi-disciplinary performances. I am working on a thematic framework for our 2023/24 season that seeks to respond to some of my earlier questions, curating artists whose music both uplifts and informs. Can’t name names just yet!“

Follow them on social media to keep abreast of the new programming as it develops or reach out to Zhenelle directly.

WEB: www.skidmore.edu/zankel/index.php
IG: | FB: @zankelmusiccenter

A Day ‘AroundAlbany’

September 13, 2022 By Jonah Michel

Albany is the capital of New York State, and contrary to popular belief – it does NOT suck! Whether or not you’ve explored this city, you gotta keep reading on as I give you exactly what you need to know to have a solid day bopping around town. My hope is to give everyone the opportunity to experience the city and decide for yourself…whether or not it sucks.

PARKING

Parking can be a problem no matter what city you’re in, so to make this the most enjoyable trip possible, you should park along the Albany Riverfront at the Corning Preserve (plus it’s FREE!) and walk the newly opened Skyway towards downtown and Clinton Square. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing plenty of walking today.

Capital Walls Tour | Photo: Jonah Michel

DOWNTOWN

Stacks on Broadway is open 7am – 3pm every day of the week, so drop by for a coffee and enjoy the big bright windows that flood the space with natural light. While you’re waiting for your order be sure to grab a map of the Capital Walls Murals – this will come in handy later. You can grab a croissant or bagel from Stacks too, but it is also worth the walk around the block to Coulson’s News & Deli – they’ve been slinging Sammy’s for over 100 years.

Now that you’re full and fueled, you can scope out about a dozen Capital Wall’s downtown public art installations and murals curated by Tony Iadicicco of Albany Albany Center Gallery on your way up State Streets towards the NYS Capitol Building. Consider dropping over to the new Williams Street Pedestrian Walkway which reactivated a neglected alleyway that is sandwiched between two parking garages next to the MVP Arena. It’s a little out of the way, but it features a bright and colorful mural with ample seating – pro tip: walk to the top of the adjacent parking garage for a brilliant view of both the Walkway and Downtown Albany.

Williams Street Pedestrian Walkway | Photo: Jonah Michel

You can book a tour of the Capitol Building HERE – they even do tours during spooky season so be sure to bring a change of pants – kidding!! The tour is a quick 90 minutes, leaving plenty of time to flow through the Plaza Concourse where you can check out a vast corridor filled with a mid century art collection curated by Governor Nelson Rockefeller – love him or hate him, he did have excellent taste in modern art.

A View from the Corning Tower Observation Deck | Photo: iloveny.com

BIG VIEWS

The Corning Tower Observation Deck is accessible directly through the concourse – but make sure you have quarters on you for the binoculars at the top that give you views as south as the Catskills! Also accessible from the concourse is the New York State Museum which is open Tuesday through Sunday 9:30am – 5:00pm for you to explore some of New York State’s most significant natural and cultural diversity, both past and present. Admission to the museum is free, so spend as much or as little time browsing as you wish. You can pop up to the Plaza after – and if it’s Wednesday they have Farmers Market and food trucks for you to enjoy.

Farmers Market at the Plaza | Photo: Jonah Michel

LARK STREET

From there, head up Madison Ave towards Lark Street for some lunch and maybe a little shopping, too. Lark Street is its own little village and is considered the heart of the city by many featuring brilliant 19th and 20th century architecture, vibrant nightlife, and a wide variety of good eats. Grab a souvenir from Lark Street Mercantile or Elissa Halloran Designs, new shoes from Season’s Skateshop. On the food front I would recommend Rain Modern Chinese, Soho Pizza, or my personal favorite, Herbie’s Burgers. Grab a drink from the newly reopened Lark Tavern, Savoy Taproom, LoFi, OH Bar, Susie’s, or my all-time favorite Dive Bar: Palais Royale (Best enjoyed 12am and beyond). There are also a couple of great venues to grab a show in the neighborhood – Lark Hall and the Fuze Box – make sure to check out their websites for the schedule.

WASHINGTON PARK

Now that you got a little retail therapy out of your system, it’s time to take a stroll through the park. But not just any park – Washington Park. Inspired by 19th century architect Frederick Law Omstead who designed New York’s Central Park, Washington Park was named one of the nation’s 100 most important parks by the American Association of Architects. The park features 80 acres of greenspace with monuments, gardens, a pond, a skatepark, basketball and tennis courts, an outdoor concert venue, a dog park, and playgrounds scattered throughout.

By now, you’re probably wiped – and you earned it! You can snag a CDPHP Cycle so you can just cruise back down to the riverfront and call it a day.

Although we’ve only scratched the surface, if you follow these suggestions you will certainly leave Albany with a better understanding and appreciation for one of the oldest cities in New York State. A day like this may leave you wanting more, so I might just have to pop back on here and map out your next trip to Albany. We can dig deeper, trust me. Although many call it ‘Smallbany’ I can assure you there is still so much more to discover.

5 Places You Don’t Know to See a Show

September 13, 2022 By Lily Buckley

The underground music scene is rapidly growing with hundreds of local musicians and only more to come. There is the quantity of bands and musicians and the quality of music. Upstate creatives have taken this as an opportunity to create underground live music venues. The scene brings together a bunch of people in random locations that all share something in common, a love for live music.

Personally, through going to shows I have met some really cool people that I would not know exist unless I knew of these underground venues. It also allows the musicians more opportunity to perform live and share their music with people like me and you. As such, I’m here to let you know of 5 Places You Don’t Know to See a Show.

The first three locations are right in the heart of College Town. They are the hottest underground spots, run by UAlbany college students.

CAESARS PALACE

The DIY basement venue, hosting a wide variety of music genres. Along with music they host local artists and vendors to display and sell their merchandise. If you’re looking for a true basement show vibe, this is where to go. They require you to DM them on Instagram for the address, be sure to check them out.

IG: @caesarspalacemusic

THE DOJO BEYOND SPACE AND TIME

This venue is truly so different, in the coolest ways possible. Typically an evening at The Dojo includes, the night starting out with comic acts, and music follows. In the meantime you can relax on their open roof patio or you may even find yourself getting a tattoo, the possibilities are beyond Space and Time. They require you to DM them on Instagram for the address, find them online.

IG: @thedojobeyond

THE RAT DEN

The most intimate of the venues as their shows are literally right in their living room. Truly a lifetime experience, to be invited to someone’s home to watch and listen to music in their living room….that’s special. They require you to DM them on Instagram for the address, be sure to check them out.

IG: @the.rat.den518

TOWN AND COUNTRY SKATEBOARDS

Located 110 Mohawk Ave, Scotia (NY), this skate shop has got it going on. They have skate apparel to shop, an indoor half pipe open for use AND LIVE MUSIC. That sounds like paradise. If you’re interested is seeing a show checkout their website or Instagram page.

WEB: townandcountryskate.com
IG: @townskate518

MAKEOUT REEF

A venue located in Clifton Park (NY). Personally, my favorite underground show I’ve seen was at this venue. It also led me to discover one of my favorite bands – Latchkey Kids. They’re a Philly / NJ based band that sing song’s “in broken English”, as they state on their Instagram page @latchkeykidsnj. This venue also requires a DM on Instagram for the address.

IG: @makeoutreef

THE WRAP

The underground scene is thriving. What is being curated amongst these venue’s and creative’s is unheard of and absolutely beautiful. I personally have been able to watch these venues unfold and grow, and it’s something special. Come check out some shows, and get involved because I can guarantee you that you don’t want to miss this.

Lily Buckley is an Upstate New York Artist / Event Producer. Find her out and about at all the places you need to know across the Capital Region.

IG: @visualilypleasing

This article is presented through a content collaboration with ACE and CapNY.
Visit us on Instagram at @upstatecreative and @gocapny

Building on Strength : A Conversation with Glens Falls Mayor Bill Collins

August 4, 2022 By Corey Aldrich

Glens Falls Mayor Bill Collins | Photo: Hartman Photography

From your perspective, why are Creative Economy components (artisan restaurants, arts and cultural institutions, performance space, etc) so important to a vibrant city scape?

Over the last decade, even during the height of the pandemic, we experienced people moving to the region. As the pandemic has shown us, the Creative Economy is a powerful, sustaining force — especially in a city like Glens Falls. For instance, it’s a long proud fact that Glens Falls is the smallest city in the country with its own paid symphony orchestra. New resident to our city are here working in arts, business, restaurants, music, medicine, banking, and other fields that supported and increased the diversity and talent of Glens Falls.

The Creative Economy shows up throughout — our new Glens Falls Arts District, the popularity of the library, the new murals being planned for three city properties, the new restaurants and the longtime venues. That attention — and that energy — feeds the economy in a way that is measured more by feeling than by economic development — our economy is thriving.

Glens Falls Arts District Signage | Photo: Provided

What is your philosophy and approach to building on those market segments?

The City is building a $4 million events space as part of the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) — a critical piece of our continued growth. It will help to support already successful creative economy events like the LARAC Festival and other large entertainment opportunities. In fact, our vision is to be able to use the space to extend these activities throughout downtown locations — tying in many newly renovated gems to host festivals and large scale community wide events.

Our economic development and community development teams have grants and loans to support great ideas that become popular businesses, galleries or restaurants, like the Park Theater. And let’s not forget the innovative Shirt Factory on Lawrence Street — a haven for artists of all stripes. I believe that if we can continue to build the capacity for creative folks to live, work and play in the city (Including increased broadband access) our creative economy will continue to grow. And our city will continue to be a magnet for these magnificent people.

The Restored Park Theater | Photo: Sydney K. Andrew Photography

How much money from the DRI funding is being dedicated to creative / community building components?

The entire DRI project will inject $10 million into the South Street / Elm Street area — but that is just the state money. The new commercial use and housing projects, as well as the renovation of the three existing historic buildings, will invest more than $26 million cumulatively.

How does that benefit the creative economy? The overall project includes the Market Center, as noted above, which will host our weekly Farmer’s Market, music festivals and other outdoor events. The Center is tied to a planned community Commercial Kitchen for food demonstrations and exhibitions. The two other historic buildings will have restaurant / commercial space on the ground floors, and for the first time in decades will have living quarters above.

Add in more than 80 new apartments, all the commercial / studio space and the concentration of arts, music, food and people … and we definitely expect that it will support the growth of our creative economy. In fact, the creative economy interests will be an important beneficiary of the entire project. Glens Falls will become a hub and attraction point for the lower Adirondacks because of it.

For more check out: Glens Falls: A Winning Team Sharing Secrets to Success