The Heights – An Xperience Column

The Heights – An Xperience Column – by Joe Barna.

In every big city, there are venues that feature live music from a variety of genres. If you’re lucky, you can find a spot that has been around for decades. You will hear stories of performances from the past, tales of famous artists that came through before they got their break, and maybe even some spooky lore about crazy happenings that transpired. These venues offer a look back to days gone by and possibly even a sneak peek into what lies ahead. When I think of some of jazz music’s historic clubs, the ones that immediately come to mind are Village Vanguard, Birdland, Minton’s Playhouse, Showmans, Cotton Club, The Five Spot, and many more. You don’t often find venues like these in smaller places where the demographic might not exist to support or maintain the club’s long-term success.

Why might I be taking this opportunity to discuss timeless venues? Well, because here in the Capital Region of New York, we happen to have one such club that through all of its openings, closings, and ownership changes, is still here kicking butt …

Ladies and Gentlemen … let’s talk about the Van Dyck in Schenectady, NY.

This club is not your typical run-of-the-mill spot. It is one of the United States’ premier establishments for jazz and the performing arts. Over its rich history, the Van Dyck stage has been host to some of music’s most important and influential voices. A small list of those who made their way to Schenectady’s hidden gem includes Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Jordan, Elvin Jones, Chick Corea, Randy Brecker, Stanley Turrentine, Clark Terry, Nick Brignola, Phil Woods, McCoy Tyner, Levon Helm, Dave Weckl, Cyrus Chestnut, Tom Harrell, Dick Oatts, Frank Foster, and many more. No, folks, this isn’t your typical music venue. This is one of the greatest performance rooms in the history of live music.

The newest owners of the Van Dyck (Stella Pasta Bar & Seven Points Brewery), Chris Sule and John Reilly, are two courageous and kind visionaries who live every day with purpose. When the opportunity to purchase the building arose, they jumped at the chance to revitalize one of our region’s legendary clubs. This was no small task, as its footprint is quite vast. Under a single roof, the Van Dyck presents many exciting offerings. It’s a music venue, an Italian restaurant, a brewery, an outdoor patio, a bar, a place to gather for parties, and this beautifully historic property is two stories high. To have the presence of mind and confidence to take on a project like this, you must deeply believe that it’s going to be successful. You also must possess a clear vision regarding the venue’s direction and future. After spending time talking to Chris, meeting Chef Reilly, sharing conversation with staff members, eating the food, trying the brews, performing in the downstairs area, and being a featured artist in the brand new Van Dyck Jazz Club, I can confidently exclaim that the Capital Region is going to be treated to great music, food, and hospitality for many years to come.

I’m proud to say that coming on Saturday, April 11, my NYC quintet will have the privilege not only to play in the historic Van Dyck Jazz Club, but we will also be recording my new live album that night. For one night only, Chris Sule has graciously offered to feature my group, which includes Greg Glassman (trumpet), four-time Grammy Award winner Ralph Lalama (saxophone), Fima Chupakhin (piano), James Robbins (bass), and me (drums & cymbals). For this monumental occasion, Ralph and I have chosen repertoire from our original songbooks that we thought would highlight the strengths of all members of the ensemble. The music is high energy, stemming from the tradition, while also marrying the best of jazz’s history with what is presently being explored in today’s music. To say it’s going to be an exhilarating and entertaining musical journey would be the understatement of the year.

In closing …

Not every city has a Van Dyck. In my travels around the planet, I can say that many cities really don’t have much going on like what’s available right here in the Capital Region, period. We are VERY lucky to have a thriving live arts scene with a level of talent that many places continue to only dream about. YES, we can all find something to complain about. This place is too far of a drive, this place is too expensive, this place doesn’t have good sound, this place has bad service … blah blah blah … none of which you will find at the world-renowned Van Dyck. However, focusing on what you may not like absorbs real estate in one’s mind, which sometimes doesn’t allow an individual to discover what they might actually like about a venue. Owning a club is difficult. You are dealing with many moving parts. We, as patrons, must be forgiving and look for the beauty that lies in front of our eyes. Go out as much as possible and support these establishments. Try a new band, a new genre, a new plate of food, a new beverage, tip the bands, buy a ticket, and bring a friend.

I’m going to take this moment to publicly thank Chris and John for what they have done for our live performing arts scene. These men have breathed new life into one of our nation’s most historic and storied buildings, offering a wide variety of acts across a variety of styles. You are both to be commended for your bravery and integrity. The Van Dyck has been an important part of my life since I was a student at SCCC between 1995 and 1999. It was in that room that I discovered a passion for jazz that eventually led me to New York City in pursuit of a dream. I believe that with the two of you at the forefront of this rebirth, other kids, like myself, who are looking for their dreams will once again have the opportunity to discover them upstairs during a show … God Bless You.

What to expect on Saturday, April 11th

Joe Barna and SKETCHES OF INFLUENCE

Featuring:

Greg Glassman, Ralph Lalama, Fima Chupakhin, James Robbins, Joe Barna

Sets at 7:30 & 9 pm

Please visit Stellapastabar.com to reserve your seats today.

Warmest Regards,
Joe

 

 

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