ACE

LIVING ONLINE Series: SIRSY, Indie Pop Rock Duo

May 12, 2021 By Corey Aldrich

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!

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

April 8, 2021 By Maureen Sager

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.

Filmmakers Micah Khan and Victoria Diana shot the gorgeous CapNY video, and editor Luke Aker who brought the footage together so beautifully!

Our dozens of talented, up-and-coming writers and collaborators, SEO editor Barbara Price, and our lead technician Rachel Holt of Reach Creative

Photographers Konrad Odhiambo, Ska City Photography, Jay Zhang Photography, and others

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.

The ACE partners and the Center for Economic Growth (CEG), for opening doors and supporting our work.

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!

April 7, 2021 By Maureen Sager

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 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

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 Off the Beaten Path Food Spots: Glens Falls Insider

March 23, 2021 By Nate Hallmark

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

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

Jay Zhang Photography: CapNY LGBTQIA+ Entrepreneur

March 23, 2021 By Rio Riera Arbogast

Upon meeting Jay Zhang, I was drawn in by his warm and grounded presence. His company, Jay Zhang Photography, is committed to both outstanding visual representation, as well as community care. As a self identified queer person of color, Jay celebrates a wide spectrum of couples. And, his investment and love of the Capital Region is evident throughout his work. From events by non profits to celebrations of LGBTQIA+ identity, Jay shows what is possible when sincerity meets vision and skill.

Love is Love: Inclusive Wedding Photography

Jay’s engagement and wedding photography cleverly infuses each client’s personality into the documentation of their big day. Just one glance at the “Wedding Blogs” portion of his website shows how he celebrates each couples’ unique chemistry. My favorite examples show elated partners snuggling amidst a backdrop of sun dappled mountain ranges, or blanketed in surrealist fog on the Brooklyn Bridge. Wide smiled nieces affix glistening jewelry onto their auntie’s ready neck; husbands fasten each other’s ties while sharing in an excited kiss. Stop what you’re doing, and take a look at his amazing work!

Community Representation And Healing

Jay is also drawn to local events and projects with a favorable community impact. He has worked for a number of local organizations, including My Brother’s Keeper, Alliance for Positive Health and GLSEN, Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.

Since 2007, he has documented and celebrated National Coming Out Day (NCOD) through his photos. His 2014 NCOD work, “Color Splash,” features queer community members in animated layered images, their bodies and faces awash in rainbow paint, along with their words of wisdom to fellow queers. His 2015 iteration, “Light The Way,” includes portraits of locals holding sparklers, their faces framed by the text, “You don’t have to come out, but you don’t have to be in the dark alone.”

Jay’s projects celebrate people who embrace being “quirky, weird and full of interesting personality traits.” He believes “everyone is multifaceted, it just depends on how much you want to present.” LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and people of all body types are welcome in front of his camera. “I love the community,” he said, “and I want to provide for it.”

Motivated Living in the Capital Region

Originally from Ridgewood, Queens, Jay arrived in the Capital Region to study architecture at RPI in Troy. School prepared him with strong design skills, which later helped him become a professional photographer. He was first drawn to photography as a financially sustainable career. And, he also enjoyed its potential to show and support people, environments and situations. He draws much inspiration from CapNY’s rich creative ecosystem of fellow artists.

Community based projects, including public statement artwork and grassroots outreach initiatives, have contributed to his ongoing inspiration and experimentation. “There’s a lot of fight here,” he shares. “And a lot of energy for people to do things and participate.” CapNY’s relatively small size and central location also provide opportunity for professional and casual travel. Jay’s leadership extends into local athletics as well. He proudly participates in the city’s LGBTQIA+ soccer organization, Albany Empire Soccer Club, as both player and board member.

Entrepreneurial Advice and Future Visions

As an entrepreneur, Jay encourages others to “keep going, because the hardest part is hitting that wall of doubt.” As for his company’s future plans, Jay sees himself continuing with wedding and event work. He remains especially committed to taking on queer couples as clients. Jay’s passion for nurturing a culture of mutual queer creative support is undeniable. “I can offer a rewarding experience (and) other queer entrepreneurs want to do the same,” he says. “We’re in a similar mindset. We want to build each other up and create community while also offering services for the community.” Jay’s sincere and purposeful application of both skill and talent are a shining example of the creatives who call CapNY their home.

Written by: Rio Riera Arbogast

Rio Riera Arbogast is a freelance writer focused on how creative entrepreneurship impacts the Capital Region’s cultural landscape. You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter at @riorawrites.