East Glens Falls Rocks! – An Xperience Article

East Glens Falls Rocks! – An Xperience Article – by Jason Irwin.

I was speaking with my wife and a mutual friend the other day, and I casually brought up the “East End” of Glens Falls. They both acted as if I had just pulled the phrase out of thin air. It’s a thing. Right? I do believe it is. Of course, the downtown area is well-known for its gifts –and I’ll tackle that beast another time. But I found myself hanging out in this mini arts and music mecca recently, which exists just down the road a little, and figured I’d give it some well-deserved props. First of all, let’s get some geography straight. I’m talking about the “triangle” created by Ridge Rd., Dix Ave., and Warren St. (before it becomes River St.). There, now you know what I’m talking about. I’ve always called it the East End. I mean, any more east, and you’re in Hudson Falls. But this neighborhood certainly has some distinct qualities of its own that set it aside –especially when it comes to the local entertainment scene. Here are a few of my selections. There are more. Also, I’m focusing on the “current” here, otherwise I’d be conjuring up a plethora of “Gug’s” memories.

The Shirt Factory
This really was a shirt factory going all the way back to the early 1900s. Now it’s known as being an epicenter for creativity, and boasts 77 individual shops, galleries, and studios within its walls. It’s fun just to walk through –there’s a lot going on. The courtyards surrounding the building are a hot spot too – for live music. That area is probably most known for its Thursday Market and Food Truck Corral, which runs weekly from mid-May to mid-September. The popular, family-friendly event includes tons of different foods, three stages of live music, locally produced and handmade items, and plenty of free to low-cost activities. You’ll also find the “Second Saturday Flea Market” there, which is year-round. This was home to GEM Fest for many years, and a new Festival, called “Mind Blown,” is upcoming on August 30. This is a one-day underground music festival that will feature live punk and metal bands, vendors, art, and mental health resources. That’s pretty cool. I really should be listing every shop that resides here, as they are all important members of this little community –but there just isn’t enough space here.
Check out everything located inside and a list of upcoming events at shirtfactorygf.com

Rock Hill Bakehouse & Café: 18 Curran Lane (Shirt Factory Annex)
Moving outward from the main Shirt Factory building, you’ll find another smaller one, which houses even more musical goodies. First up, it’s the Rock Hill Bakehouse Café. This business is, of course, known for its bread. And the bread is awesome (also natural and organic). However, the café itself is a thriving member of our local music scene, featuring two nights of music weekly: The “Little Big Stage Concert Series,” with local artists performing original music on Thursdays from 7-9 pm, and a great Open Mic Night on Fridays from 7-9 pm as well. Check it out –and grab some great food, too. Wait … there’s a Bookhouse, too?
Visit rockhillbakehouse.com for more info

Sweet Side Records: 18 Curran Lane (Shirt Factory Annex)
Also located in the Annex building is this treasure trove of vinyl and more. The shop specializes in vinyl records from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, but you can also find a wide array of CDs and cassettes on the shelves. This is just fun to browse through, whether you are a collector or not. I’ve also seen live, full-band rock shows in this place. You can’t miss it now, either. Local artist Hannah Williams recently added a giant mural to the side of the building, which more than hints at the contents.
Find them online at facebook.com/sweetsiderecords

Lawrence Street Tavern: 71 Lawrence Street
Sports bar, great food, and OTB … plus some amazing live, local music. It’s “a place to be” for live music from local bands, karaoke, dancing, and their famous “Thursday Night Blues Jam,” where the best players from across upstate New York come to showcase their talents. If you’re in town on a Thursday, stop in. Trust me.
Hit them up at lawrencestreettavern.com

Sullys East Tavern & Grill: 214 Maple Street
An East End staple for decades … in fact, it’s the oldest pub/tavern in the city of Glens Falls. Now under new management, this spot is known for a few things. Yes, it’s the place with “The Moose” outside. But what a musical lineup. Wednesdays are for open mic, Fridays and Sundays they host live music from local artists. You can get your karaoke on every Saturday. The whole place just got a major interior remodel. If you haven’t been recently … stop over.
Grab a virtual tour at facebook.com/bellasSullysTavern

Peter’s Pub: 157 Maple Street
Often a “later-night” destination for continued celebrations, Peter’s is just a living, breathing part of the city. It’s even got a “smoking room.” Well-known for fun (if not a little wild) karaoke nights and always full of colorful characters. If I call it a “dive bar,” please know that I mean that as a compliment. I love those. Great French fries!
Catch their socials at facebook.com/Peterspub157

The Hyde Collection: 161 Warren Street
Perhaps a little more refined than some of my other entries, but it has to be included. I mean, it’s right here in Glens Falls. And it’s an exceptional collection, acquired by museum founders Louis and Charlotte Hyde. Inside, you can find works by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Picasso, Van Gogh, and Renoir. That should be enough – but there is so much more, including more modern American art. I’ve been several times, and always enjoy the experience. There are always interesting events happening, too.
Get on over to hydecollection.org

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