“The Troy Music Mafia”

By Stephanie J Bartik.

On the first Wednesday of every month, a group of local musicians gathers at the Ale House in Troy, N.Y. – old friends who’ve shared more stages, stories, and laughter than most could count. They’ve been doing this for years: swapping memories, teasing each other, and keeping the spark of those “good ol’ days” alive over lunch.

I have been lucky enough to be invited into this circle – a seat at their table – over a year ago, and I never take that for granted.

While they catch up, I stay mostly in the background, camera in hand, just listening – like a fly on the wall soaking in a living history of the local music scene long before I was ever part of it.

After lunch was ordered and before the plates were delivered, we always step outside for a group photo – a ritual now, like a school class picture marking another chapter together. Each month’s photo feels like a time capsule, a moment of friendship, music, and connection frozen in the light.

All are welcome, no invitation needed. Noon, the first Wednesday of the month

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