ACE

Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy

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LIVING ONLINE Series: SIRSY, Indie Pop Rock Duo

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In the spirit of collaboration and best practice sharing, I thought it would be interesting to share perspectives from our fellow creatives to see how folks are getting along as we all craft new ways to practice our craft. For more on my LIVING ONLINE series, click here.

First, an intro to SIRSY:

Tell us a little about yourselves. How long have you been doing music together? I think the first time I saw you was at Revolution Hall in Troy NY several years ago…or was that Red Square in Albany? My memory is going!

Sirsy is an indie pop rock duo that’s chock full of soul and sass. I am the lead singer and drummer and I play bass on a sampler keyboard that I play with my drumstick. My other half is my husband Rich who plays guitar and then bass on a keyboard he plays with his feet. We both play piano and we thought about the bass in that way. So, there are not loops that we play along to, it’s all live. And that’s how we’re able to sound like a full band with just the two of us.

Pre-COVID, what would a normal schedule be like for you?

Pre-covid we played 250 (or more) shows per year all over the US and in Canada. (We still need Alaska, but otherwise we’ve played all over the US!) Rich has done the math, and we were averaging about 60,000 miles per year in our little white van “Axl Roads”.

What would you say your proudest moment has been as a band?

We end every live stream with this statement: “Take care of each other”. It’s something our fans have taught us to do in our lives and in our music. I was diagnosed with my second cancer while we were on tour in Tulsa, OK a few years ago. (My doctor called with biopsy results.) I think for me, I am most proud of the way we were able to open ourselves up to our fans and let them know what was happening. We’d always been a bit more guarded before that. (After my first cancer, I didn’t tell the fans until I was ok). Our fans helped us through that dark time and it brought us all closer. For us, making music has always been about human connection through music. Since then, we’ve been honored by hearing our fans’ stories. They’ve told us how the songs we wrote about our experience helped them through tough times of their own. During the pandemic we all took care of each other again…. It’s really been a great life lesson to learn and a great lesson to learn as artists. And we’re very proud and honored to learn that our music and our band can make such a positive impact on others.

How did COVID affect the way you pursue your craft?

We had to pivot to 100% online shows. We started doing shows every Saturday night and called them Sirsy Saturday Night Live Streams. At first it was just us picking a set list and playing live in our basement studio with one camera. By the end of the series, we had 6 cameras (that Rich controlled with another pedal board at his feet), different themes every week, and even comedy sketches and characters we’d created. We’ve amassed quite the collection of wigs! Our fans skyped in with requests. We had shows about fans who had sirsy tattoos. These live streams became a ‘thing’. The coolest gift to come out of it was that we had this community of fans that gathered with us each week and supported not only the band but one another. It was truly a lifeline for all of us. And for those moments, it lessened the weight of the world for all of us.

How did COVID affect your income?

Like everyone else, we are making a lot less money. The good thing is that our fans are incredibly generous and have supported us though this time. Also, our expenses were down quite a bit. I think last April we spent $0 on gas! That was a first. We try not to complain and consider ourselves very lucky to be safe and healthy and to have had a vehicle to make art and connect with our fans.

Whats should we be looking for next from SIRSY?

We have been writing new music like maniacs during the pandemic. So, we hope to release a new record soon. We did release a few new tracks (Astronauts and Hey Disaster). We’ve also been booking shows like crazy. So, we hope to connect with everyone in the flesh very soon!

What can we expect?

We’ll be doing a stripped-down acoustic show. That’s how we started playing and writing songs as Sirsy. We co-write all the songs and it’s always fun to boil them down to their essence and arrange them to be played in that way. It’s like seeing the songs again for the first time. So, we’re excited about that.

Corey Aldrich

A longtime ACE Contributor, Corey works out of Troy, New York. He runs a freelance consultancy for all aspects of brand development and business process management / development. Current projects include cash flow analysis, strategic market planning, 3rd party project oversight, public relations, event planning and front end visual brand design / design-build projects. He has a focus in not-for-profit arts and mission oriented organizations. In his free time he works on honing his craft as a photographer and guitarist. (corey@2440designstudio.com)

The Team Behind the CapNY Brand

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This week, the CapNY Regional Brand Initiative was launched. The ACE team and partners have been at the forefront of this effort for over 5 years, when we first began connecting amazing places and people in all 8 counties of the Capital Region. It’s your stories, conversations and connections that built the CapNY brand. Here’s the ridiculously creative talent that built CapNY:

  • Rachel Dunn led our very earliest ACE Roundtable discussions in 2018, where we first posed the question, “What is this place, and do you like it here?” Hundreds of people from all 8 counties weighed in, and your outpouring of comments – and love for this place — formed the basis for the CapNY brand. Rachel then envisioned and led the formation of the CapNY brand with our stupendously generous partners, Fingerpaint, Overit and Collectiveffort. You can see the story of the CapNY brand here. The fact that three marketing / branding firms from three different counties worked together with a project manager as talented as Rachel is exactly what makes the Capital Region special. Our depth of talent is remarkable, and it’s why we are truly CAPable of aNYthing.
  • Gabby Fisher – who is now Associate Director of ACE! – served as Senior Producer of the CapNY website, and will continue to spearhead the social media and newsletter development for the CapNY brand. Gabby managed and oversaw the development of a hundred articles, and worked with dozens of writers, technicians, photographers and more, to give the site its vibrant, authentic feel and sleek, clean look. And, she did all of this in just six months, which is nothing short of amazing. A serial entrepreneur, Gabby’s co-mads (new site coming 4/19) and Capital Heart Connection projects are unmistakable evidence of the power of the next generation of talent in Capital Region. CapNY is designed to shift the region’s focus and power to leaders like Gabby. NOW. Not twenty years from now. 
  • The project leads of our agency partners who gave their hearts to the development of the brand: Patrick Harris and Jamel Mosely (collectiveffort), Bill McEllen and Andy Spitzer (Fingerpaint), Michelle Dinsmore (Overit), and the amazing teams who created soooo many iterations of this brand, to finally arrive at the absolutely perfect one.  
  • Our dozens of talented, up-and-coming writers and collaborators, SEO editor Barbara Price, and our lead technician Rachel Holt of Reach Creative
  • Our earliest and strongest advocates, who had the vision to see what we were doing when this was just a kernel of an idea: Jeff Buell of Redburn Development, Dan Nolan of Graypoint LLC, Chet Opalka, and Ellen Sax of MVP Health Care. Hundreds of people helped, but these four people turned the tide and moved mountains for us.
  • Corey Aldrich of 2440 Design Studio, who has thrown his entire self into every one of our 40+ ACE events. Those events formed heart and soul of what’s culminated in CapNY and so much more ahead.

Also. ACE is aware of the inadvertent problems that can occur when a region takes its eye off of the people who live here, and focuses its efforts on attracting and courting outsiders. This was made clear by consultant Meredith Powell during our “Lessons from Austin” event in 2019. Meredith said something that sticks in our heads to this day – “Dance with who brung ya.” In other words, don’t forget the residents who made the region great in the first place. We’re committed to telling ALL of our stories, both new residents and old. Because you built this place. And you’re amazing.

A million thanks to all of you, for showing the world what the Capital Region is made of.

-Maureen Sager, Executive Director, ACE

Exciting Changes Ahead at ACE!

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In addition to launching the CapNY brand project this week, ACE is building an exciting, new future. Here’s a short list of what’s in store, with much more to come:

Gabby Fisher
  • Gabby Fisher is now the Associate Director of ACE! Gabby has led ACE’s newsletter and social media content since 2020, and was the phenomenal Senior Producer of the CapNY initiative. Gabby brings a Millennial, entrepreneurial, homegrown (born-and-raised here) perspective to ACE, as we envision an exciting, new path.
  • ACE will have a limited relationship with the CapNY branding initiative, which will remain at CEG. Gabby will lead the development of the CapNY newsletter and local social media content. You’ll also see monthly Creative Economy articles that will be shared on both ACE and CapNY platforms.
  • ACE has ended its two-year arrangement with the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) and has returned to its home at the Saratoga Institute, a not-for-profit incubator.
  • Updated Creative Economy data will be developed and released in partnership with CEG. This is critically important as the Creative sector begins to rebuild after the devastation of the pandemic. It’s hit us harder than most, and 
ACE Collectiveffort Event

In the months ahead, we’ll be planning events (hooray!!) and gathering your thoughts on how we can all work together to connect, convene, advocate and educate, and create a shared path. We’re SO looking forward to seeing you again and are ridiculously excited for all that’s in store.

5 Film Industry Professionals To Watch in CapNY

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These 5 film industry professionals may not be famous (yet), but they’re making incredible work right here, right now, in the Capital Region.

The Capital Region is just three hours from New York City, a global hub for filmmaking. However, even though the Capital Region regularly hosts television shows and movies, we’re more often sought for cast and crews. This lack of understanding of our depth of talent has hurt our local filmmakers. Often, it drives us to work outside of the area, to New York City, Boston, and even Los Angeles.

Many local filmmakers have chosen to live in the Capital Region despite the challenges. These 5 film industry professionals may not be famous (yet), but they’re making incredible work right here, right now, in the Capital Region.

1. Lakota Ruby-Eck, Cinematographer

Leading off our list of 5 film industry professionals is Lakota Ruby-Eck, an Albany-based director of photography (DP) and assistant camera operator (AC). He became a filmmaker by accident, when he found himself in an advanced video class in high school. Then and there, he fell in love with cinema. After graduation, he attended school for broadcast communications, finding film school was too expensive. Lakota also worked at the Spectrum 8 Theatre in Albany. He would watch and study as many free movies as possible. There, he met other local filmmakers and eventually ended up working on their sets. “Being on set is my favorite thing ever,” he said. “It feels like a family.”

Video games often inspire Lakota’s cinematography. “Video games are now informed by film,” he said. “Even the lighting in games is heavily informed by cinema.” Lakota would love to work on a video game adaptation, especially System Shock of Bioshock. Advising new cinematographers, Lakota says, “Always be prepared to learn. There are so many different kinds of gear and every DP has certain things they like.”

You can contact Lakota and find his work on his website.

2. Victoria Diana, Writer/Director/Comedian

Victoria Diana is a writer, director, and stand-up comedian born and based in Schenectady, NY. She attended SUNY Oswego, planning to study archaeology. She ended up working at the university television station as an anchor and director. Victoria realized she didn’t like the news, but she loved news writing. Eventually, she directed tape sketches and interned in Los Angeles for a summer. There, she edited sizzle reels and did script coverage.

Her career brought her back to Schenectady after college where she worked as a PA on The Pretenders. Later, she found work in New York City, staying with friends or family during gigs. She hoped to move to NYC, until she realized that the high cost of living would keep her from creating her own content. Instead, she moved back to Schenectady and focused on her writing full-time, taking side jobs to pay the bills.

Victoria’s Prizes and Festivals

Victoria’s first film, The Cabinet, is a short horror film that made it into multiple festivals, including the Adirondack Film Festival in Glens Falls.

Recently, Victoria completed her second film, Devour, starring Kelli Barrett (Dickinson, Netflix’s The Punisher) and Andrea Morales (Prodigal Son, The Blacklist, Bull).

Victoria won $40,000 through the Innovation Group of CNY Art’s Short Film Competition Grant. Although the film had to be based in Syracuse, a significant portion of the crew were based in the Capital Region.

You can watch her latest film, The Cabinet, and see some of her comedy on TikTok.

3. Aden Suchak, Writer/Director/Educator

Aden Suchak is the Director of Education at Youth FX. He’s also an independent writer and director. Aden was a born storyteller. He adds, as a kid, “I had no interest in sitting down in one place.” Youth FX was originally a summer camp. There, Aden was given the freedom to make a lot of mistakes. “The thing that made me a filmmaker,” he said, “is the opportunity to do so. Just be a filmmaker, just do it. It should be normalized and have more support.” Aden regularly watches foreign films for inspiration. He explained that many classic films don’t tell modern stories. They don’t tell stories about women or people of color. His favorite filmmaker is Wong Kar-wai. He said, “We need a new visual history to replace the old ones.”

Aden’s Albany-based Filmmaking

Aden recently finished his short film, Driver, with collaborator Mohammed Al Shaneif. Driver centers around a Syrian driver who plans to meet his family in Toronto. The entire cast and crew of the film, other than one person, was based in the Albany area. Aden and Mohammed won a grant from the Scout Film Festival to complete the film. “[I want] to make films about the local community, both set in and also starring people from the area. I feel really connected to a lot of those stories and that’s where a lot of my writing comes from. This film came together through our friendship and our relationship.” Aden says that his first feature will also be shot in Albany.

You can follow Aden on Instagram and see his work on Vimeo.

4. Kenna Hynes, Director/Cinematographer

Kenna is a director and cinematographer who moved to Upstate New York 5 years ago. She originally studied orchestral music performance for the French horn, but later moved to Chicago to study cinematography at Columbia College. Her goal was to become a union camera operator. But, she met a group of musicians, leading her to make tour videos and tour documentaries. Since then, Kenna has joined a few bands and started working on music videos as well. After fatefully meeting members of Chromoscope Pictures at Little Pecks in Troy, Kenna has collaborated with them, directing music videos for local musician, Half Waif.

Many filmmakers say yes to every opportunity, but Kenna explained that being selective is okay. Her advice? “Only work on the projects you want to work on, with the people you want to work with. You don’t have to live in a big city to make amazing art or find people to make art with. Follow a path that works for you.” Kenna’s dream project is to create a narrative feature that’s impactful and uplifts marginalized voices.

You can find more information about Kenna on her website, follow her on Instagram, and see one of her latest videos.

5. Cameron S. Mitchell, Director/Cinematographer

Cameron grew up in Michigan and graduated from Temple University with a degree in film and visual anthropology. Now, he lives in Albany with his three cats, Mickey, Prince, and Nugget. Cameron started working professionally as a swing grip on the series Restaurant Impossible.  From there, he worked as a rental technician in New Jersey, networking his way to working on other productions including Molly’s Game, Iron Fist, and The Romanovs.

Accessibility for Actors with Disabilities

Cameron felt naturally attracted to filmmaking. Both of his parents are documentary filmmakers. His interest in telling stories about people with disabilities arises from both his father and sister living with disabilities. His latest film, Co-Op, is about a grocery store robbery that doesn’t go as planned when the thief realizes that many of the shoppers are people with disabilities. Co-Op made it to over a dozen film festivals worldwide, including Slamdance. The film will stream on Hulu.

According to Cameron, casting people with disabilities is not as difficult as top casting directors make it out to be. Cameron often casts people who are non-actors. He says, “How can non-actors become part of a story about themselves?” When it comes to advice, Cameron also attests success to becoming comfortable with failure. “It took me 10 years of sitting back in the DP seat and observing other directors do the thing I wanted because I wanted it to be perfect when I did it.” 

You can find out more about Cameron S. Mitchell on his website and watch the trailer for The Co-Op.


Written by: 518 Film Network

Local filmmakers Michelle Polacinski and Micah Khan began the 518 Film Network in the beginning of 2020. 518 Film Network’s mission is to empower and connect the local Capital Region filmmaking community in order to collaborate on new content and inspire outside productions to hire locals when they choose to film in our area. Find out more information on their facebook page.

5 Off the Beaten Path Food Spots: Glens Falls Insider

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How to pick just 5 off the beaten path spots in Glens Falls? There are so many places you might not stumble across so easily. Here’s my insider’s guide, written not just for the pass-through tourist, but the wandering foodie who appreciates the hidden gems Glens Falls has to offer.

Vibrant, Sustainable, Growing

Employees at Thai Sushi Aroydee

The city of Glens Falls has restaurants, social bars and coffee shops for just about any occasion. The downtown hub hosts over twenty places within a walking block, where you can order out, dine in or simply enjoy the small city feel.

Small businesses like these support the community of Glens Falls, and bring us together like a pot luck family gathering. Each creates wonderfully delicious foods, enriching the tastes and culture that keep Glens Falls vibrant, sustainable and growing. Bon appetite!  

A Little Background on Glens Falls

When I moved to Glens Falls in 2001, I saw the beginning of the revitalization process that’s made the city what it is today. Beginning with the reconstruction of the tech-forward Crandall Library, the downtown rapidly revitalized itself. Shops and restaurants returned. They brought new flavors that filled the city with a fabulous variety of tastes and art not seen before. So here are my 5 off the beaten path spots not to miss in Glens Falls.

Glens Falls is officially all of 3.4 square miles. At its center is Finch & Pruyn, one of the oldest running paper mills in the country. This mill made Glens Falls a town where generations of blue collar union workers could be employed straight out of high school. Where locals could raise their families on comfortable, middle class incomes. The burst of the tech bubble in the 1990s hit hard, leaving Glens Falls’s future as bleak as an overcast day.

Handcrafted Juice and Good Vibes To Start The Day

Owners Christina Hanchett and Nicoe Laubenheimer from Jucin' Jar

Off of Glen Street — the main section of US Route 9 that runs through the heart of town  — there’s a little alleyway you could blink and miss, called Exchange Street. Just around that corner you will find the Juicin’ Jar. Owned by Cristina Hanchett and managed with her sister Nicole Laubenheimer, the business opened in 2015, when they were in their in their early 20s. Since then, they’ve expanded their offerings to include a full menu of freshly prepared foods and sandwiches. Everything complements both their rejuvenating beverages and their warm welcoming energy that feels like morning sunshine. Cristina said they always envisioned a place where they could replenish the community with good food and a positive spirit.

Cristina recommends trying The Juice Monkey – a wholesome blend of banana, milk, Nutella & peanut butter, and any of their freshly pressed juices. Team it with The South of the Border Wrap, a roll up of romaine, hummus, black bean, corn, tomato, onion, jalapeño, sharp cheddar, avocado, hot sauce and creamy avocado dressing. I recommend one of the warm rice bowls like the Sweet Potato Bowl, a combo of brown rice, sweet potato, apples, walnuts, onion, cranberries, creamy avocado dressing and feta cheese. All items are made fresh and ordered a la carte. You simply won’t find a healthier better way to energize your day in town. 

Nationally Acclaimed Breads And a Community Hero

Among the 5 off the beaten path spots this one is just outside the downtown area. The Shirt Factory is home to over 100 creative tenants, including artists, studios, galleries and makers. It’s here you’ll also find the amazing Rock Hill Bakehouse and Café, creators of handmade breads made from wholesome organic ingredients, most of which are sourced locally. Owned by Matt Funiciello since 1991, they’ve racked up outstanding reviews. The New York Times said, “Rock Hill makes the best Jewish Rye east of the Mississippi.” New York Magazine said, “No other sourdough in the city has the same rich layering of flavors under a crackly crust.” And even Vogue weighed in, “(Rock Hill Bakehouse) is the paragon of purism”. 

The café offers an extensive vegan-friendly menu, and many items can be veganized to order. Try the Healthy AF – roasted red peppers, tomatoes, olives, onions, and pesto with balsamic on wholesome Farm bread — or the vegan Bison Buffalo chicken pizza. Finish them off with freshly made chocolate chip cookies. Moreover, the business has been helping the community during the pandemic, with a “no questions asked Community Bread Rack.” “Since we have been relatively unscathed, we really wanted to help our neighbors who have lost their jobs, their homes and often their ability to put food on their tables.” The café continues to provide curbside delivery and the bread rack stands at the doorway open to all. Donations are accepted at the entrance.

Real Deal, Homemade Mexican Food

Continuing down to Warren Street, you will find a little Mexican shop, Tacos El Sombrero. Mrs. Anel Colio started this restaurant with handmade tortillas created the way her family made them in Mexico, with a bit of a southern California style twist. All of the food is prepared from scratch, with fresh ingredients she sources from the area. The tamales make every bite make you feel like you found something special. She recommends the fried plantains and the crème filled churros — I can’t argue with that! 

Anel came to America with her familia when she was eight years old. She got married, had four boys and decided to start a business as a second income to support her family. Since her opening in 2017, Anel has reclaimed Taco Tuesdays with $1 deals that make an affordably delicious way of life. Her menu also includes enchiladas, burritos and other traditional specials that make all your Mexican tastes feel like they’ve found a new standard for Hispanic food.

Wood-Fired Pizza and Community Pride

Behind the shops on Glen Street, you’ll find the Downtown City Tavern. Owned by Craig Merrill and managed by Journey Kerchner-Pirrone, DT City Tavern has firmly established a hometown “Cheers”- like setting. The wood fired oven creates a cozy tone, and turns out amazing pizzas. Local craft beers on tap that are switched out regularly with care. When I pushed him for a favorite, Craig recommended the alcohol infused milkshakes, as a house specialty dessert. 

The pandemic has brought welcome adjustments to the DT City Tavern, including efficient online ordering. They also have outdoor seating for when the weather is favorable. Craig’s mission for the Tavern — and its sister location, the Downtown Social — is to provide excellent dining and service, while keeping his staff fully employed. You’ll feel Glens Falls pride in both locations, and will leave quite satisfied in both appetite and hospitality.

A Trip to Thailand, No Airplane Needed

Up a few blocks on Ridge Street from the circle, sits a can’t miss Thai and sushi restaurant. Being a foodie myself, I like my experiences to be authentic and exotic. At Aroy Dee, you get a full serving of both. Owner Nhong Rujirat Currie first came to America on a visit in 2008. Shortly afterwards she met her husband and over the next few years she worked three jobs. Finally, in 2012, she’d saved enough to bring her family over from Thailand, to start her restaurant.  

The food is everything you would expect if you were 12,000 miles away, in Thailand, with service just like you were family. The traditional Pad Thai rice noodle dish is a starter staple. Nhong said the most popular items have become their special house recipe Crab Rangoon, a crispy fried wonton stuffed with cream cheese, crab and onion served with sweet and sour sauce. My favorite is Drunken Noodle – a choice of meat stir fried with flat noodles, bell peppers, onion, tomato, egg and basil leaves in a brown Thai sauce. There’s even a new creation they call Sushi Pizza.

The Heart of Community

Nhong really appreciates the welcome reception the community has given her and her family business. In return she has given back with gratitude, providing free gift cards to the local schools and families to benefit during the ongoing pandemic. She opens her kitchen to internships from the area to continue sharing the traditions and methods of her culture with others that want to learn.

Small businesses like these support the community of Glens Falls bringing it together like a pot luck family gathering. Each of these 5 off the beaten path spots in Glens Falls brings their own wonderfully delicious foods, enriching the tastes and culture to the table while equally supporting those that keep Glens Falls vibrantly sustainably growing. Bon appetite!  

Written by: Nate Hallmark

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