Albany County

Prince UFO Catchers : Young Creative Entrepreneurs Laying It On the Line

November 25, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

I met Danbi Yu and Bradley Alverez through a co-producer (Guinevere of the Dentist Office) for a pop up cyberpunk market that I have worked on with the Arts Center of the Capital Region. Not only do I find them to be some of the most attractive / positive and kind people, but I loved the passion they bring to share Japanese arcade culture with the region. I have worked with them on a few projects and am really excited to share their new entrepreneurial endeavor!

Bradley Alverez and Danbi Yu : Owners and Founders at Prince UFO Catchers | Photo: Corey Aldrich

Please state your name, title and educational / artistic background.

Danbi Yu and Bradley Alvarez, Co-Founders of Prince UFO Catchers.

Bradley and I attended SUNY Potsdam. There, I majored in English Writing and Philosophy. Bradley majored in Spanish and minored in Art. We studied abroad in Japan in the last semester of our 4-years in college, in a countryside prefecture called Akita and at an international school called Akita University. During this time, we have had the opportunity to explore various prefectures in Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. We also had the chance to meet locals and become friends with the Japanese students there. But most of our free time, I admit that we spent at Japanese arcades playing for anime figures and gigantic plushies. After the study abroad experience, I quickly jumped into the publishing industry as an editor and Bradley launched a start-up resell business called Shop.De.Alvarez. While I honed my professional writing, editing, project management, and administrative work skills, Bradley became familiar with the entrepreneurial process of making connections, buying merchandise, researching market value, and finding selling platforms.

Catching Plushies at Prince UFO Catchers in Colonie Center Mall | Image: Corey Aldrich

I have worked with you in the past at different pop up events. Can you tell us more about your shop? What motivated you to open a physical location. Any additional programming ideas for the space?

We have had an interest in claw machines/Japanese-style arcades ever since we studied abroad in Japan in 2018. We were blown away by the Japanese arcades because of their focus on claw machines, their customer service, the level of quality prizes inside the machines, and the aesthetics of the entire environment that catered to not only Japanese people but foreigners like us. They had token machines at every corner that converted cash into satisfyingly sounding 100 yen coins. They had anime figures, a variety of creative plushies, and rhythm games at every level of the arcade.

At the beginning of our entrepreneurial journey, we started off with vending mini claw machines inside of restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, etc. and we eventually started to participate in various events. We luckily landed a vending spot at Colonie Center Mall and began to have a relationship with the leasing people there. They were actually the ones who suggested that we should do a physical location because claw machine arcades were becoming popular throughout the world but there was nothing like that around the capital region of New York. And so, we thought if we were going to do this, we wanted to recreate our experiences in Japan as close as possible. Claw machines, high-quality prizes, fair winnings, attention to detail to the smallest things, and customer service that would cater to the audience by adjusting the prizes as many times as possible if needed and giving advice on how to win quicker.

Mary and Friend Show Off Their Winnings at Prince UFO Catchers | Image: Corey Aldrich

In the near future, we are planning to have more rhythm games, like Dance Dance Revolution and/or Taiko no Tatsujin, and of course a monthly-bimonthly rotation of the prizes inside the claw machines. We are also planning to host events within the space. We are entertaining a Rhythm Game Competition or even a Speed Dating Event, but that would all be TBD and TBA on our Instagram page.

Keychain Characters at Prince UFO Catchers in Colonie Center Mall | Image: Corey Aldrich

What type of research did you do to decide what type of machines and products you would have? What drove your product theme?

Our product theme varies. Our original focus was anime, like One Piece, J ujutsu Kaisen, SpyxFamily, etc., but we thought it shouldn’t be so niche because children would love things like Pokemon, Winnie the Pooh, Stitch, etc. Another thing we liked about Japanese arcades was that they didn’t just have plushies or keychains. They also have food products like chips, sodas, chocolates, etc. They had practical things like mini hand towels, pillows, bags, pencil case holders, and whatever you could imagine. This way, I thought we could cater to not only the plush fans, anime fans, a collector, or a certain age group but to all people who might just want to walk in and try something they haven’t seen before.

Of course, when we were still vending, we tried to learn as much about claw machines and the sources from which we get our merch as possible, to vet out quality prizes from not-so-quality, and we are still in this learning process but a lot better than we were a year ago.

Japanese Imported Beverages / Snacks at Prince UFO Catchers in Colonie Center Mall : Image: Corey Aldrich

Setting up a retail shop is financially challenging. How were you able to pull that off? Did you have to bring in partners? I am always interested in how folks make these things a reality, so many creatives have dreams of doing creative entrepreneurial businesses but don’t know where to start.

To be honest, the financial part was the trickiest part on our end. We tried exploring so many loan options but quickly found that no bank would entertain a start-up business despite my fully fleshed-out 25-page business proposal and many financial projection sheets. We tried a private loan but were daunted by the idea of having 40% interest rates that we would have to pay back in less than five years. We even reached out to the Chamber of Commerce in Albany and the Community Loan Fund for small business loans, but found that they couldn’t do anything for us since we were considered a fresh business. As a last resort, Bradley and I sold our one and only investment property in Troy that we had managed to buy back in 2020, and this was what helped fund us at the start of this journey.

But I would like to add that we were relentless in this. It was very unrealistic at the beginning of this journey, financially, but I knew that this was something we wanted to do. Whatever the method, whether it was seeking out a family loan or calling up private investors all over the country, we wanted to make this a reality. Luckily for us, we were able to sell the house for a good price at the right time, but I truly believe that we would’ve found another method if this hadn’t been the case. What I’m trying to get at is that obstacles are always present when we are chasing something that seems bigger than ourselves at that moment, but it is also up to us to determine whether those obstacles make our reality or whether we can create a reality that is beyond those obstacles. I believe we chose the latter because we had a strong desire to share our love for Japanese arcades in America.

Deep in Game Play at Prince UFO Catchers in Colonie Center Mall | Image: Corey Aldrich

Shameless plug: Anything additional coming up we should know about? Can folks still talk to you about getting a machine in their location?

We do try to participate in some events here and there, like the card show in Albany or the Anime Night in Troy, but it honestly depends on the date + time. We try to participate in these events because it is a nice way to meet other vendors, coordinators, and customers, but at the same time, running a business has proven to be very time/energy consuming. As for vending, we still do them, but it’s only in Westchester due to the help we receive from Bradley’s family. For upstate NY, we are familiar with other people who do vending so always feel free to reach out to us if you’d like a claw machine in your business!

Fun Fact: The name of our arcade originates from our cat’s name, Prince, and what the Japanese call claw machines “UFO Catchers.”

For more info or to follow them on Instagram: Prince UFO Catchers

Prince the Cat Logo for Prince UFO Catchers | Image: Corey Aldrich

METROLAND (NOW) : Revival of a Capital Region Institution

October 9, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

Like the glory days of First Friday, METROLAND played such an important part in the creative discovery of what the Capital Region had to offer. Every week I remember picking up a copy (Usually at Tess’s Lark Tavern) and scanning through it to plan my weekend activities. While there are some other sources of arts and cultural listings in the region where you can find out things that are happening and get good interviews and background (Radio Radio X and Nippertown) METROLAND was always a gold standard for finding out where and what was happening from the above to underground scenes. Musician / Comedian Erin Harkes is looking to bring back that energy and has secured the brand for a new rendition as retooled as METROLAND NOW. The question is, what will she do with it?

Erin Harkes : Musician, Comedian and Publisher at METROLAND NOW | Photo: Kiki Vassilakis

Could you state your name, title and background?

Erin Harkes. Multi-hyphenate 😉 Musician, Comedian, and now publisher!

As an entertainer who has spent over two decades in the capital region, navigating every twist and turn the industry has presented, continuously adapting and reinventing myself along the way. The constant throughout this journey has been the significance of marketing. While the methods of marketing may evolve, the essential need for it remains unchanged.

Many people often ask why I haven’t relocated to a larger city. It’s a complex question. Perhaps it stems from a sense of contentment or, by some accounts, complacency. It’s undeniable that bigger cities offer opportunities that may not be available here, yet I have consistently found ways to create my own paths. Instead of commuting to places like Boston or NYC every time I want to showcase my comedy, I decided to take matters into my own hands by producing shows specifically to provide myself with performance opportunities. I’ve approached music in a similar fashion, and now, I’m venturing into publishing as well with METROLAND NOW.

Historic METROLAND Covers | Photo(s): Facebook

To many of us who have been around the region for a while, METROLAND was a gold standard for the arts and cultural sector (and activism). I was so disappointed to see it go. What made you decide that now was the time to revive that and how were you able to pull that off? What geographic area will you be covering? Topically, what will be the content focus of the publication?

I felt there was a void / vacuum in the area. There are definitely other publications but some are just not an option for me as a performer. I had always had the idea of reviving METROLAND in the back or my brain. I honestly never thought beyond that until this year. It all kind of happened organically through countless conversations with other creatives and folks in the community. We will be covering Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga and the general perimeter around those four. But we won’t hold ourselves back from places beyond that when the call comes! The focus, for now, will mostly be music but we’re expanding into arts and other entertainment, comedy, community events, non-profit organizations, small businesses, a comprehensive calendar and just see where it takes us! As long as the message is positive, we’ll share it!

I know you started with the idea of being an online publication only and now I have heard murmurs that you are considering bringing a version into print also. Can you tell us more about what that will look like and what the timelines are on that front? Will this be a weekly issue?

I started this idea with NO intention of printing but the more I talked to folks the more I heard this exact phrase uttered: “I miss picking one up.” I really listened to that. For whatever reason, folks miss the physical nature of METROLAND. I don’t believe print is dead but I also don’t see the need for a weekly so we’re going to try for a monthly hopefully starting this month! (October 2024)

A robust and representative publication takes a lot of team work. How big is your current team? Is it mostly volunteers or paid folk? As I recollect, that last version of Metroland ended up closing due to financial issues. Do you have a plan to ensure that you don’t end up with similar challenges?

My current team is about seven folks, including myself. Everyone has been volunteering, including myself. There’s one person who I have been paying out of my own pocket because she does this for a living and has a small child and another on the way, whereas the other team members have day jobs. Everything is transparent; everyone knows who’s making what. I’m actively working on way to ensure that everyone, including myself, gets paid. It’s a priority. The last thing I want to do is exploit artists!

I registered as a non-profit because my priority is to try and help other non-profits in the area – be it venues or general NFP’s – get the attention they might not be able to afford otherwise. I plan on doing some fundraising and getting some sponsors/patrons/donors to help give to the cause. There will also be advertising opportunities that can generate income. My plan to make sure we stay financially viable is to use the resources I have built over my 20+ years in the Capital Region and learn from my peers. I have been offered an incredible amount of support from some of the most successful people in the area and am genuinely humbled by the respect I’ve been shown. I have a big ego and know what my vision is but I am not too proud to ask for help with the things that I haven’t learned enough about yet. It will take a village, but I HAVE that village.

If folks want to be involved on the creative content side or are interested in advertising or being a distribution point, what’s the best way for them to get in touch?

We have received SO many submissions so far. We are working on the best way to filter through them all and give the best consideration to each and are still ironing out a process to make this easy for everyone involved. When it’s time it will be very clear how to do that! Right now we suggest checking the website and the social media. We’re chipping away at the messages we’ve already gotten and asking people to be patient with us. I have amazing volunteers and I am not about to overwhelm them. There’s a fine line between ambition/tenacity and harassment, though. The latter will not be rewarded. Even the most talented folks won’t be considered if they aren’t respectful during this process. Also the core group has to vote unanimously on new contributors. I want everyone to be safe and comfortable with their peers. That is paramount. Contacting ME directly isn’t a good idea, either. Haha! Just trying to make our boundaries very clear.

Shameless Plug: What would you like to share with us? Any things coming up on the horizon we should know about?

Thank you but honestly nothing right now! We just ask that everyone share the website and the socials and keep it up with all the positive messages. I can’t wait to watch this grow and work with our vibrant and talented community!

Finally, know that ACE! has your back! 🙂

LIKEWISE! I look very much forward to working with you guys closely!

For more on the final days of METROLAND previous...check out the article in the Times Union from January 2016 by Paul Grondahl.

The Team at METROLAND – The Final Days | Photo: Steve Jacobs / Times Union

Cohoes Public Library : Rebuilding Connection with the Cities Youth

May 2, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

Raymond LeMay III : Director at the Cohoes Public Library | Image: Provided

Please state your name, educational and/or experiential background and what your current title and job description is.

My name is Raymond LeMay III. I serve as Library Director at the Cohoes Public Library. Previous to the Library I was a substitute teacher with Capital Region BOCES, I have had a number of experiences working with a variety of historical non-profits. I am a life long resident of Cohoes. This library has always been a special place to me; it’s part of what inspired me to go on to receive my Masters in Science in Library and Information Science (MSILS) from SUNY University at Buffalo. I did my undergraduate work at SUNY Empire State College in Public History and Non-profit Management.

I have always had a passion for literature and a commitment to lifelong learning, but most importantly, I have always wanted to help others. Local history and genealogy are also special interests of mine, which prompted me to work toward re-establishing a local history room, starting a genealogy club at our library, and becoming Vice President of Spindle City Historic Society.

Cohoes Public Library Sponsored Activity | Image: Provided

Can you tell us a bit about the history of the Cohoes library?

The public library has a long and distinguished history in the City of Cohoes. The first public library in Cohoes was formed in 1880 as the Cohoes District School Library and was located in the present day Cohoes Music Hall. It was relocated a few times over the years, finally settling in at the former St. John’s Episcopal Church in the 1970s. Because of damage to that building, in 2021, the library moved into our current temporary location at 10 Cayuga Plaza, sharing a space with Cohoes Senior Center.

We are looking forward to the 2025 completion of our new library space inside the former Cohoes Savings Bank building on Remsen Street, recently acquired by the City. This is a beautiful space featuring wall murals that the community is eager to see once again. Work is being done to make this building ADA compliant and to redesign the space for the needs of the library. Overall, moving the public library provides an exciting opportunity to enhance engagement, promote lifelong learning, and create a dynamic library space to meet the modern needs of our community.

American Mastodon at the Cohoes Public Library in Cohoes, NY | Image: Provided

Didn’t you folks used to have a taxidermy woolly mammoth there?

Not a wooly mammoth, but an American Mastodon, actually. A 13,000 year old extinct juvenile male mastodon was discovered in 1866 on the Mohawk River near Cohoes Falls during construction of Harmony Mill No. 3. That actual mastodon is now located at the New York State Museum in Albany. For many years, our library has housed a wonderful replica of that mastodon who watched over our collections and was a treat for our visitors, young and old. At our temporary location, we are currently displaying a mastodon created by the students of the Cohoes City School District in honor of the Hudson Fulton Celebration in 2009.

Student Project at the Cohoes Public Library in Cohoes, NY | Image: Provided

My mom used to bring me and my sisters to the library for reading hours and to take out books. It was really influential for me. Can you share your thoughts on the current role of libraries in our communities and why they are so important, especially in our small communities?

Clearly, the library had a big impact on me as well! Historically, libraries have been seen as just quiet buildings filled with books. This is no longer the case. Libraries today are vibrant public spaces playing an essential role in our communities by providing access to information, promoting literacy and learning, and fostering community connections. Literacy now extends to digital literacy, giving libraries the mission of teaching their community about digital citizenship, how to discern the good information from the false, how to use technology, and how to protect privacy and ensure security of information. Also, bridging the digital divide, an issue more significant than many realize, is another way in which libraries excel.

Libraries are a place where the young and old can gather, learn, grow, and be entertained. They provide positive ways for people to connect. As centers of knowledge and culture, libraries enrich the lives of individuals and contribute to the social, economic, and cultural vitality of our communities. Of course, libraries do have books, but they have so much more. Libraries have digital libraries with content like ebooks and audiobooks available on your digital devices. They also have “libraries of things” (we loan items like fishing poles, blood pressure machines, and board games, and more!). However, some of the most valuable things a library offers is programming by staff or experts.

Programming Examples at the Cohoes Public Library in Cohoes, NY | Image: Provided

I see a lot of interesting kids programming listed on the website. Can you share any best practices on how to get kids engaged into the library world of things?

Between COVID and our change of location, kids in our city became somewhat separated from the library. We are working hard to rebuild our relationship with our young people. I think it is important to meet the children where they are in a way that is welcoming and not intimidating to them. By holding programming that aligns with their established interests, we are hoping to make the library space familiar and welcoming to them. We are focusing on outreach within the community so they get to know the library as a part of their community, and all we have to offer. With diverse and engaging programming, we have the opportunity to create a conversation with
families in the community to better understand their needs and then meet them.

Upcoming Programming at the Cohoes Public Library 2024 | Image: Provided

Can you tell us a bit about funding sources for a program like yours?

We are a municipal library and as such we receive most of our funding from the city.
Additionally, we are supported by the Friends of Cohoes Public Library, a non-profit which does fundraising and contributes to special programs, projects, and services both financially and by volunteering. They are great and we appreciate all they do!

Finally, open question…anything you would like to plug coming up that folks should know about? Don’t be bashful…

We have so many fun events planned! On May 4th we are holding May the Fourth Be With You: Star Wars Day for kids (of all ages) with a costumed characters from Defenders Detachment (a non-profit cosplay group) On May 11th Southern Adirondack Beekeeping Association will be bringing us a program on the beauty of bees and their benefit to gardens bringing along an observation hive to look at. On May 18 we will have a Model Train Day in partnership with the Berkshire Hudson Division of the NMRA.

We can’t wait for summer! Our summer reading program is always a fun time, and this year we are celebrating that Adventure Begins at the Library! We will be holding a kick-off event at the start of summer and programs throughout for kids of all ages. On July 13th: Cohoes Library Comic Con! This will be a big event with artists, panels, vendors, tabletop gaming, cosplay, and more. We are very excited about this!

PINT SIZED and NO FUN: A Tale of 3 Cities with Entrepreneur August Rosa

April 2, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

Having been to several shows at August Rosa‘s most recent venue, (including Hand Habits, Tiawan based Mong Tong, the Algonquin Pow Wow Medicine Singers with Yonatan Gat, and then there was that cool ass DAEDELUS show) it always impresses me the incredible variety of all types of music that can be experienced there. I was aware of his Albany and Saratoga PINT SIZED craft beer based locations and have tippled a drink or two in Albany specifically. What really excites me though, is the visceral music programming and developing community based around NO FUN.

August Rosa : Pre-Show Load In at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Patrick Dodson

Please state your name, professional and educational background. Also, can you elaborate a bit on the three locations that you are currently operating?

Why hello Corey Aldrich. My name is August Rosa I am Owner and Operator of Pint Sized in downtown Saratoga Springs on Broadway and Albany on Lark Street. Most of my time is spent at No Fun in Troy nowadays my third location. I was briefly involved in a wine bar called Post on Lark Street as well with some of my best friends that I used to be in a band with (Aficionado). It is going to be 10 years of being an entrepreneur on July 4th 2024! Prior to diving into business ownership I did marketing for MASS MoCA and the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District. I had really great bosses at both of those jobs that were patient with me as a creative… but incredibly lazy and objectively bad employee. No joke…having run businesses now for close to 10 years and understanding the full scope of how things work from the ground up, I believe I would kick ass at any job as long as it wasn’t boring. I went to the College of Saint Rose (RIP) with a major in Communications and a minor in Music Industry for undergrad and then got my MBA at SUNY Albany. I also was welcomed into the band Sun Natives on bass guitar by TJ and Brandon which is a nice outlet that is a purely creative outlet much needed void of any business interference.

August Rosa Plays Bass with the Sun Natives at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Patrick Dodson

Pint Sized Storefront in Saratoga Springs, New York | Image: Provided

Can you talk a bit about the difference between NO FUN in Troy and the PINT SIZED locations Albany and Saratoga?

The focus at NO FUN is what happens on the stage and not what is in the coolers. Pint Sized are craft beer centric bars that at any time have over 100 different options to choose from. Prior to opening NO FUN I would often throw events that were not conducive to the spaces. They are called Pint Sized for a reason. Our Saratoga location might be 400 square feet of usable space for patrons. We one time had an 11 person band there. It was ridiculous, extremely fun and packed out… but truly ridiculous. We still do events like karaoke and trivia at the Pint Sized locations but have shifted our live music attention to No Fun where we have a great sound system and the space to throw very sick shows.

A Place to Bury Strangers Live at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Patrick Dodson

Can you share a bit about what your motivation was to open and what your current vision is for NO FUN?

I was constantly finding myself having to go to a big music festival to knock out a ton of bands I wanted to see or travel to the major metros for the type of music I am interested in. I like the weird stuff and felt there was a void in the area for that stuff. The only thing filling that in my opinion was the programming Super Dark Collective brings to Desperate Annie’s (Saratoga) as well as basement shows. I wanted to create a space that was slightly bigger (not too big!) that everyone would feel comfortable going to so I could bring some bigger bands in the area and not have to travel for the stuff that I like the most. I believe No Fun is the absolute perfect size for the type of stuff we like to present. Feels good with 50 heads and feels really good as it approaches 200 heads.

WITCH (*Zambia*) Live at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Patrick Dodson

My favorite places to play / see shows are more DIY in nature… be it a basement or an art space. I wanted No Fun to not have a shred of corporate feel and vibe like you were at a show at your friends house while at the same time functioning professionally as a legitimate licensed business. Places I drew inspiration for the project include Death By Audio, Glasslands Gallery, 285 Kent… there were a million places like this in NYC that absolutely ruled, Valentines of course is a big inspiration (What’s up Howard?!) and the many house show spaces that have popped up throughout the region the past 20 years I have lived here. One of my favorite shows I played in the area was a vacant apartment that still had power and an unlocked door. We legit just brought a shitty PA system into the place, plugged in and packed the house. This was back when Facebook worked and was cool and an event listing could drum up 100 plus folks in an hour or two.

Algonquin Pow Wow Medicine Singers with Yonatan Gat Live at No Fun in Troy, New York
Image: Patrick Dodson

Having been to several shows there (including Hand Habits, Tiawan based Mong Tong, the Algonquin Pow Wow Medicine Singers with Yonatan Gat, and then there was that cool ass DAEDELUS show) it always impresses me the incredible variety of all types of music that one can experience there. How do you manage to keep such a strong schedule and number of bands coming through?

It honestly happened faster than I thought. In the beginning I was bugging agents and bands all the time and not getting responses. Over time we proved ourselves and have developed some really great relationships that align exactly with the type of stuff I like to book – psych rock, post punk, world music… typically weirder and oftentimes louder stuff. I have brought in some acts that I have listened to forever and legit look up to like A Place To Bury Strangers, Ted Leo, No Age, Delicate Steve, Dan Deacon!!! (Chk Chk Chk), Gilla Band and our good friend Meg Duffy with Hand Habits to name a few. Some of the most rewarding acts were global in nature including Imarhan (Algeria), Medicine Singers (Algonquin Pow Wow), Acid Mothers Temple (Japan), WITCH (Zambia) and Mong Tong (Taiwan) which just happened.

Gutting a Body of Water Live at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Patrick Dodson

No Fun in Troy, New York Concert Posters | Image: Provided

Our programming is very kinetic and we are on track to do over 250 shows close to if not over 1000 bands this year! It is not a solo effort by any means and wouldn’t be possible without working with some of the area’s most innovative curators / presenters. There is a really solid group of folks who present at the space including Super Dark Collective (Shane Sanchez is our Booking Manager), Hey Greasy, Byrdhouse Records, Bee Side Cassettes, Albany Hardcore…There are a bunch more and bands who bring their release shows and ideas to us but these are some of the more regular presenters.

The economics and logistics of running a business can be intense, especially a live music venue open multiple days per week. Can you share a bit about your day to day and how you’re keeping the bands and rent paid?

It truly sucks! Please buy tickets in advance. Not just at No Fun but to any place you go to see shows. I cannot stress how helpful it is. It gives agents strong ticket counts so they have confidence in spaces and bring more sick shows to the area. It also helps us to prepare properly for crowd size. And…you also save a few bucks!!!

A big goal of mine is to keep my mental health in check with this thing. I am not going to lie, this project is not easy and projects like this can end at any time. There are definitely moments where I want to stop doing it. All that being said, it is in a very strong place right now and financially viable. I am always focused on keeping momentum going to keep the bills paid up. Unfortunately it comes at the cost of not being able to shut it off. I really am going to have to figure that out sooner than later.

Hand Habits Live at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Patrick Dodson

Anything you have coming up you would like to share with our audience to keep them in the loop? Long term plans etc?

There are honestly too many to list. Just go to nofuntroy.eventbrite.com and pick something at random. All of the shows are great and deserve a crowd. I highlight the vibe of each show in the descriptions in just a few words. The whole purpose of the project is to have folks engage with new experiences. I see a lot of folks that go to the same show over and over again which is frustrating. I really do notice the folks that take the effort to get out of their comfort zone and that is the most fulfilling element of the project in my opinion. Those folks know who they are and I cannot thank them enough as they are the driving force that keeps me interested in doing it.

Upcoming 2024 Shows at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Provided

I would prefer having twenty people see something new and unexpected that they will remember their whole life over a sold out event with people who just go to the same exact shows all the time. Also it would be cool if people over the age of 30 stopped acting like they are in retirement mode. I pretty much stop engaging with individuals once they say they are too old to do stuff. I don’t care to be around folks with that mentality. It’s depressing and I see too much of it. All of my ads at this point target 21-30. Please take advantage of your life while you are still here.

K that’s enough of my bullish!t. Go to shows!!!

Gilla Band Live at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Patrick Dodson

Bryan Hamill’s CIRCUS : DIY Print Space Seeks Mission Oriented Partnership

February 29, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

I first heard of Bryan Hamill at a meeting with Michelle Toch Dinsmore at Overit Media. We were planning the kick off of the rebranded First Friday in Albany last year. Part of the initial rollout was a FF show at her space including Abe Farraro and this “cool guy super connected guy doing amazing print stuff in the skateboard scene…” I came to find out, Bryan is all that and so much more, bringing a passion for craft and creative community to the Arbor Hill neighborhood in Albany. After a successful grand opening last year, he was notified that the space he occupied was no longer going to be available. So what is now to come of this community driven arts / maker space and its specialized equipment? We have an idea…

Bryan Hamill Founder and Shop Manager at CIRCUS (Power Through Paper) | Image: Provided

Please state your name, what you do and your educational / experiential background.

My name is Bryan Hamill. I am currently an Accounting Administrator at Audio Video Corporation in Albany New York and Founder and Shop Manager at Circus (Power Through Paper), a community based printing and events space in Albany’s Arbor Hill Neighborhood.

I grew up down by New York City but moved up here to go to college and absolutely fell in love with the city. I studied music and video production at St. Rose Colleg e in Albany and did odd jobs in both upon graduation; recording various albums for local musicians such as Steve Gaylord, commercials for small businesses, weddings, and music videos for bands such as Rockets and Blue Lights. I used to play in a band that was pretty popular in Albany called The Amazing Plaid among others. I’ve played shows around the country traveling in a beat up old prison bus, and even played a week’s worth of shows in Germany. I started and helped run a non-profit arts organization in Albany called the Capital District Federation of Ideas, where we had a performance space on Madison Ave called Point Five. I convinced myself that I needed to secure a grown up job, so I’ve been working full time at local company Audio-Video Corporation since 2011.

After work, needing to keep doing something creative, I fell back on something that was a full-blown necessity when playing in a DIY band – screen printing – learning everything I could from books and online videos. I started releasing prints under the banner of Pepper Spray Pres s, where I’ve been fortunate to work with legends such as Daniel Johnston, Dave Navarro, Laura Albert (the author behind JT LeRoy), Al Diaz (former artistic partner to Jean Michael Basquiat), and many others. The more I fell in love with printmaking, the more I wanted to share the amazing skill with others. The idea of a community print shop and art space formed.

Capital Federation of Ideas, POINT5 | Image: Flickr

Capital District Federation of Ideas | Image: Flickr

It sounds like you were on a strong path to full time freelance, self directed work and then…you ended up getting a full time gig. Can you talk about the decision to go that direction?

After graduating from St. Rose, I had what I thought at the time was the perfect job: I was the Assistant Manager for a local bookstore for many years. It allowed me to have a steady income while also taking off any time I needed for shows or tours. After work, I would record bands in my home studio, or work on various video projects. It was also at this time that the non-profit formed Capital District Federation of Ideas that had a performance space on Madison Ave called Point Five. Unfortunately, the people running it, myself included, really didn’t know what we were doing. We were young and passionate, but that’s about all we had going. After about two years worth of amazing events and programming, we decided to close shop. We had ended up spending so much time and energy on keeping the lights on that it felt like we weren’t making any progress towards our stated mission. After it ended, I was so burnt out and disillusioned that I decided I needed to try something more stable, which is when I entered corporate America.

Capital District Federation of Ideas, POINT5 Performance with Early Swamp Baby (?) | Image: Flickr

Your passionate about your current side project. Printing, music and deep community integration. Can you tell use more about what drives you in this area and what you have been up to? I believe you are currently in the old Stage 1 space of the Albany Barn…

Whenever I’m passionate about something, I want to share it with the world, and teaching someone how to print is about the most satisfying thing I’ve ever done. I’ve also always been acutely aware of access and privilege and how it shapes opportunity. If I wasn’t fortunate enough to go to college and get a stable job, I would never have been able to afford the equipment to print, and a house to print in. Printmaking is such an amazing tool, both for artistic expression AND commercial possibilities, and I want to give more people access because as it stands now, if you don’t go to college for printmaking or don’t have the resources to do it yourself, you’ll likely never have the opportunity.

A couple of years ago, when this idea first began marinating in my head, I began purchasing the needed equipment. During that time, I was contacted by the family of local artist Steve Hazzard. He was a lifelong print maker, but he learned his trade back when dangerous chemicals were necessary to print, and those chemicals had made him sick to the point where he could no longer print. “Would you have any use for his old press?” he asked. The press was gorgeous and expensive, and if I could move it, it could be mine. I was so blown away by his generosity, and I had to share their gift with others. This was the big spark that set me off on this journey.

What is your long term vision for this project and why do you think its important?

I envision this space as something for everyone. A place for young students to dip their toes into printmaking BEFORE having to decide if it’s something they want to study in college. A place where studied print makers can apply their craft. (surprisingly, or maybe unsurprisingly, many who go to college for printmaking can’t afford the equipment or space to print). It’s a place where kids from a tough neighborhood can come in and print their own shirts, start their own fashion labels. It’s a place where film photography is still preferred over jpegs. It’s a place where hip-hop open mics and poetry readings can coexist. It’s a place for after-school programs. It’s a place where someone can learn to print without worrying about the judgement of others. It’s a place where I can print pizza boxes for local ghost kitchens to give them a leg up on their competition. I really envision the space as THE hub for local DIY-ers.

Recently, you were notified that you would need to find a new space for the print facilities. Can you share with us what you current situation is and what it is that you are ideally looking for as you transition out of this space and neighborhood?

Originally, the A lbany Barn heard about my idea and wanted to help. They provided me with their old gallery space in Arbor Hill, formerly called Stage One. In exchange, I would pay the utilities and teach printmaking at their Schenectady location a couple of times a month. I really felt like it was the perfect space. Perfect size, perfect neighborhood for what I want to accomplish. Unfortunately, the Barn doesn’t own the space – the A lbany Housing Authority does, and about a month after we had our grand opening, we were told that the AHA wanted the space back. I am not quite sure of the details or what happened. So…we are without a space. All of the equipment is still there, but I’m unable to use it, and they want it moved out by end of month (Thursday, 02.29).

Learning and Creating at CIRCUS | Image: Provided

I’ve spent the past couple of months meeting with community leaders, artists, and local businesses, trying to figure out our next step. Everyone I’ve spoken to has been sympathetic, and some have even offered space, but for one reason or another, they wouldn’t work. A couple of examples – the A lbany Community Investment Trust really liked our proposal, and their space in the south end (The Coliseum) is both promising and ideal, but they’re about to start new construction that would put us out at least a year. The Social Justice Center in Albany seems like a good match on paper, and they would be more than happy to have us occupy their second floor, but because of ADA restrictions, our ability to hold public events would be very limited. So as it stands now, we are still in need of a space.

EDITORS CHALLENGE: Have any location ideas or collaboration opportunities for Bryan? This feels like a great fit as a satellite location for an existing mission oriented / Not for Profit looking to expand it’s footprint outside city center. Hit him at the Circus website.