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Mt. Ida Preservation Hall – an Xperience Interview

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Mt. Ida Preservation Hall

Mt. Ida Preservation Hall – an Xperience Interview – by Niki Kaos.

I met Michael Easterbrook when renting the Mt. Ida Preservation Hall for the “Moochie the Dumpster Kat” musical premiere. He was easy to work with, and I was excited to learn about how this community space at 548 Congress Street in Troy has been evolving. With a rich history and a small but dedicated group of people, this church has been saved and is being restored as a community gathering and performance space.

RRX: Michael, how did you first find out about Mt. Ida?

ME: Being a local, I live very close by, and I walk by the church relatively frequently. It has these big red doors, and its architecture is immediately noticeable. One day there were a couple of board members on the front step, and I asked them about what was going on. They told me about the Mt. Ida Preservation Association, aimed at saving the building and keeping it alive for the neighborhood. I had wanted to find a way to give back to the community, as I had recently moved to the area coming out of college, and this looked like a great way to start getting involved.

RRX: I learned the building was saved from demolition. What’s that about?

ME: The building itself was built in 1869 and was an Episcopal church up until 2000, then sat abandoned for nine years until 2009. At the time, the city of Troy was going around and looking to demolish neglected buildings for safety reasons. The hall was on the list, and there was some community outcry about this because it’s such a beautiful building with a lot of American Gothic Revival architecture.

In the paperwork that the city was preparing for the demolition, they found a reverter clause in the deed that allowed the church to pass ownership to a descendant of a reverend. And it just so happened that one of the co-founders of the Mt. Ida Preservation Association, which already existed to fix a historic dam, was just such a descendant. So, the building was able to pass to Brant Caird, and he was able to pass the building on to the Mt. Ida Preservation Association. And that’s when the organization’s work began to focus on restoring the building.

RRX: One of the things that impresses me most about Mt. Ida is the dedication of the volunteers. I noticed you have a food pantry. What is the story behind the food mission work you do?

ME: We were looking for purposes for the building, and we went through a number of them, but a big year for us was 2016, which was actually a year before I was involved. The group had managed to get the community hall on the basement level fixed up enough to get a certificate of occupancy from the city, which officially allowed it to be used as a functional space.

The food pantry, which used to be out of the Baptist church just down the road, could not operate there anymore. And we opened just in time to take on the food pantry. That was a defining moment for Mt. Ida, because it embarked us on our community focus. We moved from a historical preservation group to a historical preservation AND community group. That started with the food pantry, and they’ve been with us since 2016. We’ve been happy to work with them.

RRX: I think we need community spaces like that. It’s great that you are working to make that happen. On that note, you’ve recently opened the performance space upstairs. What are your hopes for Mt. Ida as a performance space? And what do you have upcoming?

ME: I joined Mt. Ida in 2017, and I really liked the community aspect, and I saw that the need was there. At the time, there was still some indecision about which way to go and I think a big component of community is connection. And what connects people is art. And we had a sanctuary that perfectly lends itself as a venue because there’s a natural stage and seating.

We opened our performance venue in April 2024 and established a program committee run by volunteers. Then we put out a call to local artists to make them aware that the space existed and that we wanted to develop programs with the goal of bringing people together and creating community. That’s kind of always the undertone of all the performances. It’s also what I think is really cool about the organization and being a nonprofit. It’s about getting people together and having something special that we can all use and benefit from.

RRX: I commend you and all of the volunteers at Mt. Ida for choosing that path and working together to create that space. It enriches our community and our connection with each other. I’m grateful that you’ve taken on that work. So, what do you have upcoming? What exciting events are you bringing in?

ME: We have so many things. I’ll start with the lunar series, a singer-songwriter-based series every month on the Monday closest to the full moon. Usually like the third Monday. The series is curated every month by Natalie Seagriff. She sets up candles, and it’s absolutely beautiful. On November 2, we’ll be having an electronic and rock music festival called Astral Odyssey. And an event in December where we’re bringing in a piano. That event is still taking shape. It’s all super exciting. Then on the 14th, we’re having a holiday market and that’ll wrap up our 2024 events.

Our 2025 calendar is exciting. We’ll be doing more work with the Community Rising project and hosting some of their workshops throughout the year. The Luna series will be continuing. We’ll be doing a few drag shows, so keep your eye out for those. But the one I really wanna talk about is a holiday party in January, for the community and Mt. Ida volunteers. We don’t want to clog up the December channel because there’s already so much going on with the holidays. But in mid-January, we’d like to have a free celebration for the public to attend. The point is to get together and celebrate what we’ve accomplished so far and everyone who’s made Mt. Ida possible. There’s an unbelievable number of hands that have made possible what we’re doing in one way or another.

RRX: How do people get information if they want to volunteer at Mt. Ida?

ME: The best way to keep track of what we’re doing with events or get involved is to look at our posts on Facebook and Instagram. Send us a message and we will be happy to connect with you.

We have a lot of different ways that you can be involved. We have the program committee if you’d like to bring a show to Mt. Ida, or you could join that committee to help somebody else bring a show to the space. We have a history committee that is working on getting the building added to the National Historic Register and also a fun group to hang out and learn about the history of the neighborhood. And we have all sorts of other committees that are focused on repairing the building and keeping it nice. And the food pantry, of course. There are lots of volunteer opportunities at Mt. Ida and we love to get people from the community involved.

RRX: Readers can stay in touch with Mt. Ida on Facebook or Instagram. This is a very special incubator for creativity and community engagement! I encourage you to check out the Mt. Ida website, follow them on social media, and check out future events or volunteer opportunities at mountidatroy.org

 

 

More from Niki Kaos…

Gummie Bear Loaded Fries – The Weird Side of the Internet

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Gummie Bear Loaded Fries

Gummie Bear Loaded Fries – The Weird Side of the Internet – by Liam Sweeny.

I love food. My blood loves food too, and when I walk by the bakery in my local supermarket, my A1C gets “aroused.” Now I am in no way a normie. I will try anything. I have had octopus and squid, vowing never to eat the former again because they might just be smarter than me and I may need their help in a future bank heist. I have eaten camel burgers and ostrich burgers, which were both delicious with Dave’s sauce but morally deep gray. I have topped Ramen noodles with every form of cheese, every hot sauce one can buy, and have crunched down on them uncooked with the flavor packet sprinkled in, really sprinkled through because flavor power only sees dried ramen bricks as friends.

But at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney, they have a concoction that gives me pause. Especially now with the Beetus, but even on a cheat day, I might not touch this. It is called “Gummy Bear Loaded Fries” and it is described exactly as it sounds. Gummy bears in partial state of melt poured liberally over French fries. That is chef’s kiss right. Good damn cuisine. Of course not, and some people on Reddit took to the post about it. One Redditor said that it was “feral” and “a crime.”

I disagree with calling it feral. To me, feral food is taking everything in your refrigerator and spilling it onto the floor, then giving that very floor a French kiss. That’s what I think of when I think of “feral.” But can we not draw a line?

At some point putting things together just to put them together is low-hanging fruit. You must go into culinary exploration thinking it’s good at least. Even our cave-dwelling ancestors knew what berries tasted good with what leaves, possibly because those who did not ate the wrong berries and put them off the menu for the other cave-dwellers. But there’s a line. I eat bricks of Ramen noodles with creamy Italian dressing, not cocoa powder and mayonnaise.

Go try that crap. My A1C and I agree on this one.

Original article here.

 

 

More from Liam Sweeny…

“The 15th Annual Cristian Rivera Foundation Celebrity Gala Red Carpet”

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At the Cipriani 55 Wall Street, NYC.  November 12, 2024.

Photography by Joshua Scarselli.

A parent’s worst nightmare is their child being sick. Finding out your child has an inoperable brain tumor is that worst fear come to life. What does one do with this type of information? How does one remain positive in the face of such a devastating prognosis? Where does one turn for help? They turn to the Cristian Rivera Foundation.

Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is a rare and aggressive brain tumor that mostly affects children. With no known cure and a survival rate of less than 1%, it leaves families grappling with unimaginable loss and heartbreak. The Cristian Rivera Foundation was created to provide hope and help for those impacted by this devastating disease.

Cristian Rivera was a vibrant, loving child whose life was tragically cut short by DIPG. Diagnosed at just four years old, Cristian’s journey was a testament to courage and resilience. His battle with the disease lasted two years, during which he faced countless treatments with incredible strength. He passed away at the age of six, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.

In honor of Cristian’s legacy, his father, John Rivera, founded the Cristian Rivera Foundation in 2009. The organization is committed to supporting families, funding research to find a cure, and spreading awareness about DIPG. Through its tireless efforts, the Foundation carries Cristian’s spirit forward, offering hope to families and working toward a future where no child has to endure such a heartbreaking diagnosis.

 

More from Joshua Scarselli …

Jason Bonham, An Xperience Interview (Part I)

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Jason Bonham
Photo by Rachael Skinner

Jason Bonham, An Xperience Interview (Part I) – by Liam Sweeny.

If you don’t know who Jason Bonham is, you hold the unique position of living under a rock in multiple generations. Bonham is an accomplished drummer in multiple projects, and, as the son of the late legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, a standard bearer for rock itself.

I had a chance to talk with Jason.

RRX: You’re coming to the Palace Theatre on December 4 with “Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening.” What are people gonna get that they couldn’t get from a really good tribute band and also couldn’t get from a reunion show?

JB: Well, good question. If people have seen the show before or been following me while I’ve been doing this, this journey of JBLZE (as we call it now) – the fact that we are 14 years in when I only originally wanted to do one tour – it’s proved to be a wonderful experience. We’re all getting older together, and it was something I promised the audience every year when we did it. I said, “I’ll keep doing this for as long as I can play it and as long as you want me to,” and I said, “Let’s grow older together.” So we’ve been doing that, and it became like a little family.

We had a couple of small changes about seven or eight years ago and actually gave it a new lease on life when we changed it from “Experience” to “Evening.” And that was with the Japanese guitar player, “Mr. Jimmy” Sakurai. He is a breath of fresh air, and his knowledge of all the Led Zeppelin stuff is so amazing, all the live stuff. It really opened my mind to be able to take the show a little further, and I promised that this time around, we wouldn’t stick to the script. We would try to change things up, and we’re gonna bring back some of the songs we did on the first-ever tour, which are songs like “Dazed and Confused,” the full-length versions (and I say full-length like “The Song Remains the Same” versions). So they’re 22 minutes long, a lot of things going on in them. Also, a friend of mine kept challenging me to try “Achilles Last Stand.” It’s a song that I’ve kind of steered clear of ‘cause I never thought we did it good enough, but I’m willing to keep trying and get it to the point because it’s such an amazing song. So yeah, we’re gonna have some fun. There’s some new stuff in the show. Definitely.

The show is long. The difference from anybody else doing it is that this is something I’ve grown up with all my life. I’ve been around those boys; my dad was who he was, but it’s just a feeling of family and sharing the stuff and the stories, they tell a few things about what it was like growing up with Dad. And that’s why it became more of an evening with me, and talking about some of the greatest music ever written. So if you’re coming down, you won’t be disappointed. Plus, it’s a lovely part of the world. I was there recently in the summer, so I look forward to it.

RRX: I did watch a few of them on YouTube. I was sitting in here for a couple of mornings having a blast. It was great, it was a really good time. So I have seen them.

JB:  Thank you very much.

RRX: This ties into what you were saying, ties into a couple of questions I had. You were originally gonna do just that one tour of JBLZE, and then you decided to extend it. What went into the decision to extend it?

JB:  Well, after we did the 28 shows (which at the time was all we were gonna do), I was thinking to myself, you know, “This is too good.” I thought that we hadn’t played to enough people. There were still a lot of people saying, “Well, why don’t you come here? Why don’t you come there?” and I said it’s not really my decision to stop this. I said we will do it as long as people want to see it. So I kind of put it out there to the agent and the people that were in charge, and there were lots more offers that came in, and it just kept on growing, but growing organically; we never went out and did massive press releases, and we don’t really do that. You know, it’s not like we’re promoting a product. We’re not trying to sell anything other than “come to the show and enjoy yourself.” If you love that, then you’ll have a good time.

So that was the cool thing about it. It naturally grew in a nice, organic way. And we got to the point where people in Australia were asking us to come and play, and then we got offered to do some tours with different artists, and I never imagined doing JBLZE as … I always thought it was gonna be a storytelling video wall of movies. Once we took it to the outdoor sheds and we did some shows with Foreigner and Whitesnake, and then Foreigner and Cheap Trick, I suddenly went, ‘This is a lot of fun,” and we did the Peter Frampton tour in 2019. And then, just recently, we got to do some shows with Billy Joel, which was phenomenal, and he’s a huge Zeppelin fan. So that was a real honor to do that, to go and play a stadium, open up with Billy. And then he says, “You can’t leave. You have to watch my show too because you’re gonna be playing a Zeppelin song with me.” And he’s such a sweet guy, such a great time. It’s got to the point now when I just feel very humbled by how much people still love to come and see the show 14 years down the line.

RRX: Wow. Funny thing. We just interviewed [former Billy Joel drummer] Liberty DeVitto.

JB:  Alright.

RRX: Yeah, we just interviewed him. I got an invite to go to a drum course that he’s doing right now over in Rocky’s Music Studio in Rensselaer, which is near here. So I’m gonna go see him. So that’s cool.

JB:  Well, send him my best.

RRX: I will. So now JBLZE is out there, and nothing’s performed in the vacuum. No shows are performed in a vacuum. If you were a Led Zeppelin tribute band, you play your heart out, and there’s some guy at the end of the bar, he’s got a Led Zeppelin T-shirt on. He walks up; he’s got something to say because that’s every bar. But it was your show. If you do a show somewhere, that person sitting at the other end of the bar might be Robert Plant coming up to say something to you. Have you gotten any kind of encouragement or advice on the show from anyone in the band?

JB: No, I mean, the weirdest thing is, it’s quite a few years ago now, I remember mentioning it to Robert, and he said, “Well, you know, you do what you’re gonna wanna do.” He goes, “You know, there are other things,” and I went, “Yeah, I know, this is just one thing I do.” And he goes, “Yeah,” and he goes, “And why not?” He said, “Your knowledge of your dad’s music and our music is ridiculous.” He said, “So enjoy.” So I remember talking to his keyboard player. I went to see Robert play the show, and we were playing the Greek three days after he played, and he [the keyboard player] said to me, “You know, he watches your clips on YouTube. He might not tell you he ever does, but he does.” And at the Greek, he said to the audience, “Hey, is anyone going to see ‘Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening’ in a few days?” and some people cheered. Yeah, he goes “OK. Well, that’s how it used to sound, and this is how it sounds now,” and he went into a Zeppelin song.

So it was very funny. I found that very complimentary in a way. The best is the Warner Chappell thing, one of those things online which finds if music is being used without permission. I can always tell if we do a really, really good job, they think we’re using Zeppelin, so they take down a clip. And that’s the best compliment ever, but then you start going, “Why aren’t your other songs good enough? Why aren’t you taking this one down, you know?” So there must be some kind of computer program that says when it’s being used. And it’s, that’s the best compliment ever.

Photograph by Rachael Skinner.

 

More from Liam Sweeny…

 

Show Detective – Weekend Shows – 11/29-12/1

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Show Detective - Weekend Shows

Show Detective.

Friday, November 29th

The Egg & BenDeLaCreme Present: The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show, The Egg, Albany, 8pm

You better watch out, you better not cry, because “The Queens of Christmas” (Entertainment Weekly) are coming to Albany with a brand new edition of the internationally acclaimed The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show!

Another holiday season brings another year of fabulous spectacle, whip-smart comedy, brand new songs, and annual favorites. Join the sugary DeLa and spicy Jinkx for an evening the New York Times says is “sure to lift your spirits and make you howl with laughter.”

He$h: Anarchy Tour, Empire Underground, Albany, 8pm

Brian Kane and The Beginning- Black Friday Party, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 8pm-11pm

Brian Kane and The Beginning, a local favorite Rock the Barn! If you want to have an epic night, come join the party!

Peter Prince & Moon Boot Lover, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs

Frank Solivan and Jillian Lea, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

Frank Solivan is a powerhouse multi-instrumentalist whose raw talent and intense energy have made him a force in the bluegrass scene. Primarily known for fiery mandolin chops and soulful vocals, Solivan blends the drive of classic bluegrass with a fresh, modern edge. His impeccable musicianship and emotional original songs have earned him two GRAMMY nominations and multiple IBMA awards alongside his band, Dirty Kitchen, who are known for their tight, high-octane performances. Whether he’s shredding on the mandolin or demonstrating his skill on the fiddle, Solivan’s command of the stage is undeniable.

Soul Blind / Godskin Peeler / Prize / Enemies At All Times / Evil Mind, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

11/29 5:30 PM Rob Aronstein- Wishing Well

11/29 6:00 PM Anthony Cubbage- The Scarlet Knife

11/29 6:00 PM Artie Mozeik- Panza’s Saratoga

11/29 6:00 PM Chris Dollard- Prime at Saratoga National

11/29 6:00 PM Dan Mellon- Spa City Tap & Barrel

11/29 6:00 PM Dan Sherwin- Carsons Woodside Tavern

11/29 6:00 PM Franklin Micare- 677 Prime

11/29 6:00 PM Keith Pray Trio- Cock & Bull

11/29 6:00 PM Pat Decker- Saratoga Winery

11/29 6:00 PM Phil Drum- Inn at Saratoga

11/29 6:00 PM Russ Kennedy- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

11/29 6:00 PM Tim & Norm- Powers Pub

11/29 6:30 PM Coverups Duo- Peddlers Bar & Bistro

11/29 6:30 PM Kyle Hommel- Other One Brewery

11/29 6:30 PM Peter Pashoukos- Artisanal Brew Works

11/29 7:00 PM Dave Render- Cherry Plain Square #17

11/29 7:00 PM Jessica Louise- Kraverie

11/29 7:00 PM Johnny & The Triumph’s- VFW Saratoga

11/29 8:00 PM Brian Kane & The Beginning- Rustic Barn Pub

11/29 8:00 PM DJ Dillon Robert- Misfit

11/29 8:00 PM Frank Solivan & Jillian Lea- Caffe Lena

11/29 8:00 PM Matt Cosgrove & Kirk Diehl- Saratoga City Tavern

11/29 8:00 PM Ryan Clark- Cooperstown Distillery

11/29 8:00 PM Steve Lambert Quartet- Nine Maple

11/29 9:00 PM DJ John Jamz & DJ TSwag- Night Owl

11/29 9:00 PM DJ NPG- Vapor

11/29 9:00 PM Peter Prince & Moon Boot Lover & Space Trash- Putnam Place

11/29 9:00 PM Wide Awake- Centre St. Pub

11/29 9:30 PM The Schmooze- Spa City Tap & Barrel

Saturday, November 30th

The New York Bee Gees (Tribute to the Bee Gees), The Egg, Albany, 8pm

The New York Bee Gees Tribute Show is comprised of some of Long Island New York’s most versatile and exceptionally talented players. The band includes present or former members of well known, world renown acts including The Alan Parsons Project, Happy Together Tour, Meatloaf, Queen, Blue Oyster Cult, Riot, Herman’s Hermits, Enrique Iglesias, The Rippingtons and more. Based in New York the show has played to sell out shows at The Paramount Theater and BB King NYC. Performances are regularly at The NYCB Theater at Westbury, Resorts World Casino, Empire Casino, The Suffolk Theater.

Mic Lanny & Animal Cracker, Empire Underground, 7pm

Harmonic Duo, Rustic Barn Pub, Troy, 7pm-10pm

Experience the mesmerizing harmonies of the Harmonic Duo, with the sound of a full band!

Happy Hour at The Eleven with Sydney Worthley, The Eleven, Albany, 6pm-8m

At just nine years old, Sydney Worthley already knew songwriting was her calling. Since then, every song she’s written starts in the corner of a room, and ends on a stage. Pulling inspiration from Phoebe Bridgers and Taylor Swift, her songs tackle themes of coming of age, long lost connections, and growing from haunting mistakes. Songwriting has always been a cathartic experience for Sydney and that has remained unwavering.

WABY 1 year anniversary party, Putnam Place, Saratoga Springs

Annie & The Hedonists, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 8pm-10pm

Annie & the Hedonists transport us back to an age when heartache, boozing, and all sorts of romantic mayhem amounted to one big stylish adventure. From the gospel-rock of Sister Rosetta Tharpe to the irresistible swing of Fats Waller, the torchy, honey voice of Annie Rosen takes center stage, with super-tight, expert backing provided by husband Jonny Rosen on guitar, Peter Davis on clarinet, tenor guitar, piano, and vocals, Don Young on bass and vocals and Jerry Marotta on percussion/drums.

Bill Kirchen and the Turtle Doves Honky Tonk Holiday Show, Hangar on the Hudson, Troy, 8pm-10pm

Bill Kirchen and his Turtle Doves will kick off their annual Honky Tonk Holiday Tour at the Hangar on the Hudson on Saturday 11/30. Featured is a sleigh-full of rarely heard holiday numbers from the blues, rock ‘n’ roll and honky tonk bags: “Silent Surfin’ Night,” “Truckin’ Trees for Christmas,” “Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin,” and more. But be ye not afraid, there’ll be so much more than holiday songs of questionable taste; you can count on a truckload of dieselbilly classics, rockers, and country weepers to take the edge off the holiday fuss. So mark your calendars and check ’em twice – Santa Claus is back in town! Kirchen is touring with his all-star Texas guys – Jack Saunders on bass and Rick Richards on drums.

Tentacles / Death Island / Tyranize / Morticide, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From ”Bar People.”

11/30 5:00 PM Mountain Sons- S&S farm Brewery

11/30 5:00 PM Shine On- Artisanal Brew Works

11/30 5:30 PM Rob Aronstein- Wishing Well

11/30 6:00 PM Adam & Tim- Spa City Tap & Barrel

11/30 6:00 PM Ain’t No Strangers- Galley Bar & Grill

11/30 6:00 PM Christine Spero- Panza’s Saratoga

11/30 6:00 PM Eric Peter- Powers Pub

11/30 6:00 PM John Eisenhart & Dave Porter- Hometown Pub & Grub

11/30 6:00 PM Juniper- The Scarlet Knife

11/30 6:00 PM Keri Alonzo- Carsons Woodside Tavern

11/30 6:00 PM Pat Decker- Prime at Saratoga National

11/30 6:00 PM TBD- Inn at Saratoga

11/30 6:00 PM Travis Rockenstire- Hilton Garden Inn,,, 30Park

11/30 6:00 PM Tyler Giroux- 677 Prime

11/30 6:30 PM Broken Spur Band- The View at Brookhaven Golf Course

11/30 7:00 PM Cosmo’s Moon- Kraverie

11/30 7:00 PM Get Up Jack- Parting Glass

11/30 7:00 PM Harmonic Duo- Rustic Barn Pub

11/30 7:00 PM The Liquid Courage- Cherry Plain Square #17

11/30 7:00 PM Tom Nitti & Ashley Bryant- Bunker Saratoga

11/30 8:00 PM Arlen Roth Band- Caffe Lena

11/30 8:00 PM DJ Dillon Robert- Misfit

11/30 8:00 PM John Savage- QuartetNine Maple

11/30 8:00 PM Tame The Rooster- Nanola

11/30 8:00 PM Tooty And The Motherpluckers- Ravenswood

11/30 9:00 PM DJ Intell Hayesfield & DJ Tswag- Night Owl

11/30 9:00 PM The Remedy- Vapor

11/30 9:00 PM Wallies- Caroline St. Pub

11/30 9:30 AM Bennett Brothers- Saratoga Farmers Market Wilton Mall

11/30 9:30 PM ILL Funk Ensemble- Spa City Tap & Barrel

Sunday, December 1st

Alan Cumming Uncut, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, 7pm

Alan Cumming is beyond eclectic.  His most recent projects include hosting (and slaying fashion-wise) the global cultural phenomenon The Traitors, creating a solo dance theatre piece about the Scottish bard Robert Burns, lip-synching the protagonist in a documentary and producing a podcast series about a sperm bank heist.  He will soon be seen as Sigmund Freud in the film V13, as an elderly woman with a pet crab in the Disney kids series Robogobo and heard in a duet with Gaelic rapper Griogair Labhruidh!   Perhaps not surprisingly, Time Magazine called him one of the three most fun people in show business (the others were Cher and Stanley Tucci!)

Fearless: The Taylor Swift Experience, The Egg, Albany, 4pm

This award winning show to Taylor Swift, is the most prestigious tribute act for Taylor Swift in the US and some may say, the world. Created, produced and delivered with pride, professionalism and with the highest level of attention to detail. With an incredible live band, this show promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show that you will ever find.

The traits possessed by Rikki Lee Wilson has “Swiftie” fans from across the world feeling like they are back watching Taylor Swift herself. The show features Taylor’s much loved hits, including; Shake It Off, Blank Space, Love Story, You Belong With Me, Look What You Made Me Do, I Knew You Were Trouble.

Doc Horton and the Jay Street Band’s Motown and More Experience, Proctors Theatre, Schenectady

Doc Horton and the Jay Street Band bring their exciting “Motown and More Experience” show back to Proctors Theater. Come on out to see one of the most dynamic bands in the capital region bring their unique blend of Motown-inspired Pop-Funk that will have you dancing in the aisles!!

HUNG with Care: A Queer Holiday Burlesque Spectacular! Lark Hall, Albany, 7pm

Everyone’s favorite Queer Holiday Burlesque Spectacular is back for its 12th annual tour through the Hudson Valley and over Thanksgiving Weekend. Don’t miss Hung With Care at Lark Hall on Sunday, December 1st at 7pm.

Presented by Big Gay Hudson Valley and the Pride Center of the Capital Region, Hung With Care celebrates the art of nightlife and brings together some of the nation’s premier cabaret, burlesque, drag and circus arts performers for an evening of holiday entertainment unlike any other!

Fred Small, Caffe Lena, Saratoga Springs, 7pm-9pm

Political insight, human compassion, and environmental concern inspired Fred Small to seek a law degree, pursue a career as a touring singer-songwriter, and become a Unitarian Universalist minister. His folk songs have addressed being gay in the US military, the challenges of being disabled, radioactive frogs, and a moose’s infatuation with a cow. Pete Seeger, Rosalie Sorrels, Steve Gillette, and Priscilla Herdman are only some of the many musicians who have covered Small’s songs.

Boy Jr. / The Grand Mals / Stella and the Reptilians, No Fun, Troy, 7pm-11pm

From “Bar People.”

12/1 10:30 AM Erin Powers- The Scarlet Knife

12/1 3:30 PM Russ Kennedy- Hank Hudson Brewing

Feed Angel – Interview – Thanks for Asking!

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Feed Angel

Feed Angel – Interview – Thanks for Asking! – by Liam Sweeny.

RRX: Music genres are difficult for some artists. Some strictly adhere; others not so much. What is your perspective on the genre you play, or the genres you hover around?

FA: I think of my genre as dark grunge rock like Chevelle, Pretty Sick, and Nirvana and that shines through on my songs “Cult Classic” and “Distorted.” Although, every now and then I take this random turn into pop-punk like with my songs “I Don’t” and “Pile of Bones.” I feel like the general public wants bands to confine themselves to one genre so they understand what they’re getting into when they listen to their whole discography. I get that it can be frustrating when you want dark ambiance and all the sudden are hit with a silly song about death. When I release albums or EPs I keep in mind that the songs should sound like they are from the same album but I never let the constraint go beyond that. What’s the fun in keeping it all the same?

RRX: A band is a business. A business of love, but you got to work for it. Let’s pretend, instead of a band, you all owned a business. What would it be, and why would it be good?

FA: A haunted house axe/knife throwing bar, obviously. Maybe the haunted house part would only be good for October. I’m somewhat of an axepert, and my place would be all about trickshots. Of course there will be live music and karaoke. It would be the talk of the town because there are so many places that are either activity focused or booze focused, and this place would be both, so if you’re a sober adult you can still go have fun and not just be bored at a bar with all your drunk friends.

RRX: Cover art is cool. It shows listeners what the artist thinks the album is all about. Because music can be felt visually. If you had to give the public a visual image that you think they would see and just “get” your groove right away, what would it be?

FA: I love the album art for our latest EP Souls, but I think the single cover for “Cult Classic” immediately tells you what the song will sound like. The song is about a cult I have the pleasure of dealing with in my day to day life, and the album art is a picture I took of a severed deer hoof (paw?) that I found near the cult. I edited the photo to make it darker so you immediately know the song is somewhat spooky. An image people already know would be Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” – that’s our vibe exactly.

RRX: What historical era would you like to visit if the sole purpose was to put together a Battle of the Bands? How would you set it up?

FA: Oh I am such a 90’s chick. My lineup would include Faith No More, Soundgarden, Hole, Nine Inch Nails, Helmet, Alice in Chains, Weezer, L7, (I could make a list that is 90 miles long but I’ll stop here). There would be no stage, just a big room they’re all in and they each play 1 song and then fist fight to the death. There’s no audience,  just 6 judges and I’m one of them. I don’t think Weezer would make it very far in the fist fight and I feel like Courtney Love would win. The judges would pick Soundgarden as the winners for the battle of the bands.

RRX: You sing or you rap, you play guitar, play drums, what have you, you have no doubt struggled to learn music. Something probably tripped you up. What was it for each of you? What did you have to overcome (bands, pick a member)?

FA: For a while multitasking was very difficult for me. Playing guitar and singing at the same time doesn’t look difficult but it is! Especially if you’re playing a song that has a riff and isn’t just chords. Just as they say, practice makes perfect. Some multitasking tasks are still difficult for me, like playing the accordion is crazy hard. Buttons and keys AND wind control? It for sure is a tough one to master, and I still haven’t mastered it but I try. We all must bow down to Weird Al.

RRX: What do you think is the most poorly understood thing about music, or the music you play?

FA: That sometimes you have to listen to songs more than once! Maybe there are people out there who can hear a song once and definitively decide that they love or hate it, but I’ve never been that way unless there is a part of the song that literally makes my ears cringe. I feel like a lot of my songs take a couple listens because there are certain elements that aren’t really heard until you really listen. Even some of the catchiest songs aren’t going to be catchy on one listen. Give them a chance to catch on before you move on.

Thanks for asking!

———————————————————————————————–

My songs are available to stream on all streaming platforms under the name Feed Ange

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/46CQx2RVUzWbLeCRb80oIX

Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/feed-angel/1708534868

Physical CD’s of the Souls EP and digital purchase of all songs: https://feedangel.bandcamp.com/

CD’s of the Souls EP can also be found at Last Vestige in Albany.

 

 

More from Liam Sweeny.

 WABY – Mike The Enforcer, Kim Neaton and Chris Lynch – Interview

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WABY
Photo by Yuliya Peshkova

(WABY) Mike The Enforcer, Kim Neaton and Chris Lynch – Interview – by Rob Smittix.

RRX: Mike The Enforcer, I hear that you’re home.

ME: Yeah, I got back home at the beginning of October and immediately went back to work full-time at the body shop. I was already doing WABY 93.9FM while I was down there, and now I’m doing full-time Monday through Friday, 7 pm to midnight, and then I’m doing Monday through Friday, 7 pm to midnight down in Knoxville, Tennessee, as well on 93.7FM WVLZ.

RRX: That’s cool, man. How do you feel to be back? Not just at home but back on the airwaves where you belong.

ME: It feels great. They say it’s like riding a bike, and it actually kinda is. The listeners that we have up here make it that much easier because they’re so accepting whether you come, whether you go, whether you still suck, whether you’re still good. You know what I mean? It’s overwhelming to be back into it. When Ralph first called me, I was like apprehensive. I’m like 750 miles away. We made it work, and now I’m back in New York, and now I get to get out amongst the Bastard Nation, so to speak, and go to events and shake babies and kiss hands, and you know?

RRX: Being a radio guy myself and doing it for 30-something years now, I always wanted to be at a place where I fit. So, during the long hiatus that I had when I wasn’t on the radio, I got offers from FLY 92 and WGNA, and I didn’t fit there, so I said hell no. And I feel like you are where you belong. WABY is where Mike The Enforcer should be. That’s exactly the right fit.

ME: Well, thank you, I appreciate that, Rob. The thing to me was, like you said, if you get into that mold and you become accustomed to becoming someone that somebody likes to listen to, you can’t carry that over. I couldn’t do country music as Mike The Enforcer; it just wouldn’t work. And at the time that I got out of it, that’s all that was predominant. There were no rock stations like this anymore. You had classic rock stations, and that was it. As far as the ‘90s and 2000s go, those were forgotten decades. And now I’m glad to be back as a part of something that fits me like a glove.

RRX: 100% I’m happy to have you back.

ME: I’m in the best state of mind that I’ve been in a long time. I’m a happy guy. I’m a single guy. It’s just me and Loki living in Mechanicville now. I’m glad to be back. I’m around my family again and I’m once again around the Bastard Nation in more than one state.

RRX: That’s correct. Well, I hope the ladies are listening. I heard he’s single, there’s nothing sexier than a freaking radio DJ. So Kim Neaton is here with us as well. Kim, I was actually really happy to see you be a part of this. How’s it feel for you to be back on the airwaves?

KN: This is my first time back on the air in about seven years and I’m on Monday through Friday 10 am – 3 pm. I’ll definitely say the first day, turning on the microphone and realizing I’m talking to tons of people out there was a little scary because it had been so long. But I would say after doing two or three breaks, it just kind of naturally came back, and I felt back in the zone. It’s like being on the radio is just, you know, being a good host showing people music that you like, you know, that they’re a fan of too. So it’s easy, you know, it comes naturally. If I’m excited about sharing good music with people, then, you know, it’s something I like talking about anyway.

RRX: And then you come back and you and your peers are also syndicated in Tennessee.

KN: Yep. The guy that owns WABY up here is based down in Knoxville, Tennessee, and he has one station that’s very similar down there, but then just about a month ago, he launched a station called Atomic 106, which is an alternative station. It’s a really good mix of alternative music from when it first started in the late ‘70s/early ‘80s, like the Cure and Talking Heads and everything, all the way up to new stuff that’s coming out today. So that only started a month ago, and just two weeks ago, I started being on the air there from 3 pm to 7 pm Monday through Friday. And that I’m having a lot of fun with because that’s really a lot of similar music to what was playing when I was on EQX. The only challenge is that I’m not in Knoxville. I gotta get familiar with the different venues down there and when shows are coming through. But it’s really exciting to be able to have my voice and share good music with people that far away.

The thing I’m most excited about is, I started my own specialty show. It’s a new music show called Generator, and that airs at 7 pm on Sunday nights on WABY and on the station in Knoxville. Not the alternative station I’m on, but the rock one that is similar to WABY. It’s an hour of new music I found, like hard rock, punk, metal; just stuff I think is cool that I wanna share with people. So it’s all new music that came out in the last month or two.

RRX: That’s really cool. I love that. I also want to talk with Chris Lynch as well, host of High Voltage, which airs Sundays from 9 pm-11 pm. It seems like everyone is an old veteran radio DJ that I’m speaking with today. What was it like when Ralph Renna made you this offer to come to WABY?

CL: For years Ralph said to me, “I’m gonna get you your metal show back.” We always laughed about it, like, “Yeah, someday you’ll get me my metal show back.” And three months ago, he calls me and he says, “Do you want your metal show back?” I’m about to say, what the f*** are you talking about? And he hangs up. What the f*** is he doing? So I call him right back, like, “Dude, why the f*** are you hanging up with me?” He says, “Because I’m just trying to build a little suspense.”

RRX: That’s hilarious.

CL: Do I wanna do this show? I said damn right, I wanna do this show. I’m given the freedom to add what music I think is gonna go over well. Whether it’s some grindcore band like Escuela Grind, or a new hardcore band called Zulu. They’ve been out a couple of years, but … I have the choice to add these bands, play them, and no one bats an eye. I wanna be a show where – a band you’re not gonna hear every day on the radio or nearly at all on the radio – I wanna be able to give that band a platform and have kids someday be able to say I love the sound of that band. I wonder who they are, and maybe that’ll propel another generation of kids that like music and rock music!

For more info visit: 939waby.com

 

 

More from Rob Smittix…

Recap: The Blues Episode at Mojo’s (Troy, NY) 11/26/2024

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Recap: The Blues Episode at Mojo’s 11/26/2024

By: Rob Smittix

The online flier that was circulating for this event ended with “the music’s calling—are you in?” I thought to myself, hell yeah I’m 110% in on this!

The Blues Episode has been labeled “A BLUES HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN” and for good reason. The band is comprised of three very talented and accomplished musicians.

Reeves Gabrels – Guitar and vocals
Ross Rice – Keyboard, vocals, bass and everything else under the sun.
Jonathan Kane – Drums
This is one hell of a trio. When the band first took to the stage Reeves sustained a single note on his guitar then paused and joked that it was a new (The) Cure song. The stage banter began immediately between these cats and it added to the looseness and fun of the evening. The music that the band played were known tunes, mostly of the blues genre but their spin on these songs is what makes the show. Rarely do I ever mention a band’s setlist, I just want you to know that if you weren’t there, you missed out.
One song they did cover was a “deconstructed” version of Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads,” I believe it was Reeves that jokingly said it was a version of the song that we probably didn’t want. Well all jokes aside we definitely wanted it and it was one of the many highlights of the night. I did take a few photos with my cellphone, which aren’t the best but if I was to bring one of our photographers I think they would’ve obstructed the views of many and that would’ve also hindered the vibe.
Ross Rice sang most of the night and his voice really captured the essence of the songs. He also played keys and bass on keys simultaneously and that’s got to be like patting your head and rubbing your belly. I whispered to a friend that the bass sounded authentic too as if it were an actual guitar.  Jonathan was a beast on the drums, what more can I say? And we all know that Reeves is an actual guitar hero, scratch that guitar wizard! So getting these three guys together was meant to be.
MoJo’s Cafe & Gallery is a very intimate setting, especially for a show like this and this is my favorite type of show. The kind of show that you can mingle, meet people and even exchange conversations with the musicians. You could tell that Jonathan, Ross and Reeves were having a great time, not only together but with all of us. When they played it felt like the audience was not only witnessing a performance but we felt as if we were a part of it.  And we were. It was a good crowd in that room and I saw a lot of smiles. 
The Blues Episode plans on returning to Mojo’s to do this again so keep your ears open and your eyes peeled!

 

Cohoes Music Hall Presents “A Christmas Story: The Musical”

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A Christmas Story

PLAYHOUSE STAGE COMPANY OPENS 37TH SEASON WITH A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL AT COHOES MUSIC HALL DECEMBER 4 – 22 

Musical adaptation of classic holiday film comedy features music by Dear Evan Hansen and Greatest Showman composer-lyricists Benji Pasek and Justin Paul

Cohoes, N.Y. (November 27, 2024) – Playhouse Stage Company will open its 37th Season next week, as A Christmas Story: The Musical opens on Wednesday, December 4 at 7pm. Performances continue through December 22nd, with 7pm evening performances Wednesday through Saturday, as well as 2pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays.

Complimentary tickets for A Christmas Story: The Musical” are available throughout the run for members of the media and local theatre press who wish to cover or review the production. Local new stations are encouraged to film footage of the performance.  To request tickets, please email Owen Smith, Producing Artistic Director, at owen@playhousestage.org. Production photos will be sent to the media on Wednesday, December 4.

The season kicks off with holiday season entertainment for young and old alike. A hilarious and heart-warming crowd pleaser, A Christmas Story: The Musical tells the story of nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, who has pinned his hopes on getting a “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun” for Christmas. The musical, with a book by Joseph Robinette, features all the iconic moments from the film, from the leg lamp award, to the bunny suit, to Ralphie’s friend Flick getting his tongue stuck to a frozen metal pole. It boasts a soaring, energetic score by Pasek and Paul, known for their work on Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman and more. The show is based on the 1983 MGM film, as well as the film’s inspiration, the nove In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd. The musical adaptation premiered on Broadway in 2012, in a production that featured two Playhouse Stage Company students and Capital Region natives, Jack Mastrianni (as the bully, Scut Farkus), and George Franklin.

“A Christmas Story is an ideal vehicle through which we can feature the region’s most talented young performers in our fantastic Playhouse Stage Academy students,” said PSC Producing Artistic Director Owen Smith. “Our fantastic young students will appear in age-appropriate roles alongside dynamite regional professional actors, with a world-class design and creative team guiding them,” Smith continued.

A Christmas Story: The Musical is directed by long-time PSC Director Michael LoPorto, returning to the company after most recently directing the celebrated 2023 production of Something Rotten at Park Playhouse. LoPorto is joined by frequent collaborator Brian Axford as Musical Director. Playhouse Stage Teaching Artist and performer Gabi Bazinet-Douglas makes her PSC choreography debut on A Christmas Story after appearing as Brooke Wyndham in this past summer’s Legally Blonde: The Musical. The cast is led by well-known Capital Region actor and Sage Theatre Institute Professor David Baecker, as the show’s narrator, Jean Shepherd, as well as by PSC student Jack Holick as young Ralphie Parker. Joining them in the 26-person cast are Playhouse veterans Molly Rose McGrath and Nick Martiniano as Ralphie’s parents, and PSC Director of Education and Associate Artistic Director AshleySimone Kirchner, returning to the stage for the first time since 2019’s Avenue Q to play Ralphie’s teacher, Miss Shields.

The 37th Playhouse Stage Company Season continues in February with the dark musical comedy Heathers: The Musical, adapted from the 1989 cult classic film. In addition to productions at Cohoes Music Hall, the company will return to Park Playhouse in Albany’s Washington Park, and Guilderland Performing Arts Center in Tawasentha Park to present free, outdoor musical theatre for the community during Summer, 2025. Details about title selection and schedule will be announced in January.

Tickets and 37th Season Memberships are now on sale at the Cohoes Music Hall and Playhouse Stage box office. Adult tickets are $4000, with $30.00 available for Seniors (65 and older), and $20 tickets for under 18. Tickets may be purchased online at www.playhousestage.org, in person at 58 Remsen Street in Cohoes, or by phone at 518-434-0776. More information about Playhouse Stage Company and its productions can be found online at www.playhousestage.org.   ###

Week Forty-Eight: Jesse Sample’s Freak of the Week “Another Long-winded Story”

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Jesse Sample’s Freak of the Week Airs EVERY WEDNESDAY at 6pm Eastern ONLY on RadioRadioX.com

This is Jesse Sample. Do you have someone in your life who always has a file cabinet of excuses for why they aren’t where they want to be? Are you that person? Are we all that person, at least sometimes? Sometimes we get in ruts. These well-worn paths don’t seem to lead to good places but the discomfort of exiting them can make it easy to stay there forever.

When’s the last time you shocked yourself? You loved something enough to pursue it through a dark forest of discomfort and fear. And you changed in that space, and you felt so alive. The stale outdated beliefs you had about yourself were exposed as naive paper lies. I’m due for another one of those experiences.

Sometimes we need to change our inner narrative about ourselves. It requires courage but is paid seven-fold in self-knowledge and joy. We, as people, require re-reading and editing.

Thanks to all of you listening to RadioRadioX. This the Freak of the Week, “Another Long-winded Story”

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