Rensselaer County

Upstate Cold Brew Works on Expanding Their Eye Opening Mission

June 3, 2025 By Corey Aldrich

Local roasters Upstate’s Cold Brew is on the rise, expanding their distribution and product offerings. A combination of community building, creativity and a drive for a well balanced, eye popping brew are the driving factors behind this dynamic duo’s move to supply your morning routine with a bump of flavorful exuberance and maybe a whole lot more.

Jamel Mosely and Khalid Miller : Co-Owners at Upstate Cold Brew | Image: Provided

Please state your name(s). What is your position in the company? Can you share a little about your educational or experiential background?

My name is Khalid Miller — most folks just call me Kha. I am a Co-Owner of Upstate Cold Brew alongside my brother-in-coffee, Jamel Mosely. Day to day I steer operations and recipe development as the Head Brewmaster in addition to and other cool stuff. Jamel drives brand and community outreach (he’s the people magnet). We both do everything of course – but we tend to lean in those respective directions. I received a Master’s in Education from the College of Saint Rose. I was a School Councilor / Behavior Intervention Team Leader at the Brighter Choice School for Boys in Albany, New York for just over 8 years when I left in spring of 2023. Since 2019 my focus and passion has been on deepening my knowledge of the coffee industry and different brewing techniques – such as cold brew!

Upstate Cold Brew Product Offerings | Image: Provided

Cold Brew is a crowded space. What made you decide to start up the company? Can you tell us about your mission? When did you start?

The seed was planted more than a decade ago: we dreamt of a coffee shop that doubled as a creative studio where aspiring entrepreneurs could hatch ideas and find the tools to build them. But we ended up slamming the brakes on the brick-and-mortar plan, because life had other plans – but we eventually came back around to it, but this time with a different approach. Cold brew concentrate. We made it, gave it to friends and family, they loved it and convinced us to bottle up this magic and share it with the world. We got our big break in 2022 at the Troy’s Riverfront Farmer’s Market where it took off. We now have a thriving community that supports us and is growing everyday and the best part is that our mission hasn’t changed– coffee is still the conduit. We brew to spark connection, fuel creativity, and pour resources back into the community that raised us.

Upstate’s Cold Brew : Concentrate | Image: Provided

Can you share a bit about your process and method? What would you say is the identifying characteristic(s) about UCB?

We start with organically-grown, sustainably-traded beans roasted right here in the Capital Region. In the early days we soaked coarse grounds for 14–24 hours and triple-filtered every batch. Today we scale that same philosophy with a chilled, closed-loop system that extracts in a fraction of the time while locking in a richer, smoother, profile and extending shelf life. The result is a velvety concentrate that’s “eye-opening” strong, yet incredibly smooth and flavorful!

Upstate’s Cold Brew : Scented Candle | Image: Provided

How are you primarily distributing the product? Do you have additional channels that you are pursuing?

Right now a large percentage of our volume moves through direct-to-customer channels we can shake hands with: the Troy Riverfront Farmers Market every Saturday, plus refill stations and grab-and-go bottles at Emack & Bolio’s in Albany, and in the coffee cocktails at DeFazio’s Pizza and The Whiskey Pickle in Troy.

Upstate’s Cold Brew : Nitro Retail Beverage | Image: Provided

For retail, Honest Weight Food Co-op just gave us shelf space, and other regional grocers are in the pipeline. Online, we ship nationwide from our website at upstatescoldbrew.com, and we’re working through the final hoops to launch an Amazon storefront later this summer. So we are doing our best to get this high quality concentrate to as many people as possible!

BONUS: Anything coming up we should know about? New releases or live tasting events?

Catch us in person in right off Monument Square on Second Street at our booth every Saturday at the Farmers Market in Troy. You can also keep up to date on pop up events and special product releases by following our Instagram page @upstatescoldbrew.

WEB: upstatescoldbrew.com | IG: @upstatescoldbrew

Denver Based Musicians Vibe on a ‘Creative Pulse’ in Upstate New York

March 20, 2025 By Corey Aldrich

Late to the party, I just recently discovered this gem of performance space that opened up in early 2024 when I had the opportunity to see the amazing Buggy Jive open for the intellectual and well read storytellers, Nathan Meltz and the House of Tomorrow there. Transplants from Denver, Alana and Niek Velvis decided to land here in Upstate, Troy specifically, due to the creative pulse they felt on the street and the ‘unique mix of history, grit, and artistry, with a growing music and arts scene.’ Approachable and community minded, these creative entrepreneurs have made a space for local and regional indie artists to call home. Oh, and they have respectable baked goods, beer and coffee offerings!

Niek and Alana Velvis : Owners at Mojo’s Cafe and Gallery in Troy, New York | Photo: Provided

Please state your name and title. Also, can you share a bit of your backstory?

We’re Alana and Niek Velvis, the owners of MoJo’s Cafe & Gallery in Troy, NY. At our core, we’re musicians who love playing—that’s what brought us together, and it’s what drives most everything we do.

Alana: I am a classically trained percussionist, with years of experience as a session drummer, nationally touring musician, and recording engineer. I’ve played in a wide range of projects, but find myself especially drawn to the second line rhythms and deep funk traditions of New Orleans. I also handle accounting and keeping everything at MoJo’s running smoothly behind the scenes.

Niek: I am a bassist, recording engineer, and entrepreneur with a background in law and business development. Since 2012, I have focused on working with startups while staying active as a musician. My passion in building physical and virtual spaces that allow artists to create freely came to fruition in 2018, which was a start of what led to building MoJo’s here in Troy.

Music has always been at the center of our lives, and MoJo’s was built from that foundation.

Backyard Stage Vibes at Mojo’s in Troy, New York | Photo: Provided

What was behind your choice in locating in the capital region / Troy? Also, I believe I remember you saying originally you did not plan to open a venue like this…how did it all come about?

We moved to Troy because of a pull to the creative pulse we felt here. For us, the city has a unique mix of history, grit, and artistry, with a growing music and arts scene that felt like the right place to help contribute to something special while remaining authentic to our own journey.

Before moving to Troy, we owned and operated a recording studio in Denver. Recording, engineering, and producing music were a huge part of our lives, and when we made the move to New York, we brought most of the studio gear with us, thinking we’d continue focusing on recording and production. And then, we found the space!

When we walked into what is now MoJo’s, some lightbulbs turned on for us. The layout and the energy felt like the perfect place. Instead of just being a recording space, we saw the potential for a venue, an art gallery, and a gathering place for musicians and artists, so we dove in and MoJo’s became the live extension of what we had already been doing in the studio.

Interior Shot at Mojo’s Cafe and Gallery in Troy, New York | Photo: Provided

From the start, MoJo’s was envisioned as a music venue and art gallery first. The focus has always been on hosting live music and showcasing visual artists. The coffee side of things was the next logical step for us, inspired by the bones of the space and a desire to provide sober-friendly offerings for gallery and show attendees. Building out the coffee portion naturally led to opening the café during the daytime hours, and as the creative energy flowed, we started developing custom coffee offerings with Gipfel Coffee, who roasts all of MoJo’s coffee selections.

You’re right about the plan developing in real time, and we’re grateful for not keeping our feet as there’s never any telling where we’ll be swept off to next.

Buggy Jive – Live at Mojo’s Cafe and Gallery in Troy, New York | Photo: Corey Aldrich

Live music is a cornerstone of a vibrant city / community but is notoriously hard to make work economically…especially if you’re trying to compensate artist fairly. Can you share a bit about that side? How are you keeping the rent paid and making that all work?

This is a continuous challenge. Independent music spaces are fragile, especially when you’re committed to artist compensation. The reality is, ticket sales alone don’t cover costs, not in a room of our size. So for us, the key has been diversification. We treat MoJo’s as a multi-layered business with the cafe operating as a 3rd-Space during the day for food and beverage, Private Event Bookings, Art Sales, Custom Coffee Roasts, and Ticketed events.

Beyond that, it takes community commitment, which we are growing organically every day. We book shows for fans, so we work hard to curate a memorable sensory experience directed at an audience that values live music and understands that keeping a space like this alive requires active participation before, during, and after the show.

It’s also about efficiency for running a lean operation, keeping overhead low, and building relationships with artists and vendors where mutual support goes both ways.

Afternoon Music Break with groop.lab’s DJ Denada | Photo: Provided

Do you have any general comments that you would like to share regarding what we should be doing to ensure that this level of musical ecosystem is sustainable and thriving?

A thriving music scene starts with a dedicated and engaged audience. Show up often, even when you don’t know the performer. Live music and art aren’t nostalgic occasions, they should be part of your daily and weekly routines. The strength of a local music scene depends on people who are curious, open, and willing to experience something new. And when you do? Talk about it. Share what moved you, what surprised you, what made you think. Word of mouth builds culture, and the way we speak about music shapes the way our community values it.
Musicians and artists need to talk about one another as if we are each other’s heroes. Build up your fellow artists, speak about them as if you’re their biggest fan. The love and beauty you speak of is palpable and contagious. When people feel how much love you have for your fellow artists and musicians, they’ll become fans themselves, start going to shows, and spread that energy further. We can actively choose how we frame our community through our language. Your mindset is yours alone, yet when out in public, you are actively shaping the culture you are a part of. Don’t talk down about each other, lift each other up like the heroes we all are.
Respect process over product. Art and music are all part of a larger ecosystem where artists are manifesting their creative process in real time. Don’t judge a single performance as a finished statement. Artists are evolving, growing, and experimenting live, and the audience, you(!) are a real part of it! One experience at a show should never dictate whether you go to another, so keep showing up.
City and State Governments need to recognize the value of music and art spaces as cultural institutions through direct policy support. A municipality that boasts being a music and arts hub just because artists have chosen to live there while lacking direct policy to support music and art is just all smoke and mirrors.

Preshow Vibes at Mojo’s Cafe and Gallery in Troy, New York | Photo: Provided

EXTRA CREDIT: Anything you have coming up or are excited about that you would like to share?

This weekend show is not to be missed, if you haven’t heard Joseph Biss play guitar and sing yet, make it a priority for your Saturday, the musicianship is incredible.

Saturday, March 22nd – Joseph Biss w/s/g Alicia Macier VanScoy
$10 adv / $12 at the door | Doors: 6PM | Show: 7PM

Both nights will bring something special to the room—come through and be part of it.

WEB: mojoscafegallery.com | IG: @mojoscafegallery

Elizabeth Reiss Advice for 2025 : Focus on the Basics | Embrace Change

January 10, 2025 By Corey Aldrich

Elizabeth Reiss, CEO of The Arts Center of the Capital Region is a force of nature. Many of you here no doubt know her or at least of her but many don’t fully understand the energetic impact and momentum she creates in the regional art scene and beyond. Seasoned and confident, Liz is not only a personal mentor to myself and many others but additionally serves as an Advisory Board Member of ACE! who has been connected here since it’s inception. As such, I can’t think of a better person to bring a slice of pragmatic sanity to the barrel we are looking down that we call 2025.

Elizabeth Reiss, CEO at The Arts Center of the Capital Region | Image: Corey Aldrich

Please state your name, title and past experience that got you to where you are today.

My name is Elizabeth Reiss. I am currently the CEO of the Arts Center of the Capital Region.

I’ve always worked in the arts, everything from gallery installer, docent trainer, publications manager to festival producer. What got me here? At the Arts Center? When I was in college I took a painting class. A visiting artist/professor looked at my work and scoffed at it. Told me to stop painting. She and my primary professor laughed. I was humiliated. I never want that experience for someone. Everyone should paint. Sing. Dance. Maybe they won’t end up in a gallery. Every artist belongs somewhere – the walls of MoMa or the fridge. So, I work at a place that celebrates it all. I love it. I’m lucky.

That said, what else got me here? I’m fearless when it comes to thinking I can pull off a project. I’ve opened a children’s museum in NYC, produced an artist-made skate board park in Pittsburgh, and now I’m working on my most complicated endeavor yet – finally developing the upper floors of the Arts Center.

The 2024 FENCE Show in the Jane Altes Gallery at the Arts Center of the Capital Region
Image: Provided

Can you tell us a bit about what a day in the life looks like for you at the Arts Center?

The Arts Center has a much smaller staff than people may think. There are 7 of us full time. So, I spend a lot of time internally, writing & managing projects. I like writing. Our board is really involved, there’s lots of people dropping in. Or, I’m out. I’m old fashioned, I like to meet with people get a little deeper into things. Get to really know people. I spend a lot of my time representing the Center and the region at places like Creatives Rebuild New York, ArtsNYS, or with elected officials. I’m trying to start up a new group – Capital Region Arts Allies, to help the region get more funding. We are all surviving, but imagine if we all had enough resources to do more?

Arts Center of the Capital Region – One of the 2024 Troy Glow Exhibits in Downtown Troy NY
Image: Corey Aldrich

I know in addition to your main gig, you are involved in other supportive organizations. Can you tell us a bit about those roles?

When I started at the Arts Center, I knew we were also an arts council and a regrant site, but I didn’t really know what any of of that meant. So, I turned to my peers and had some fabulous mentors who mentors formed ArtsNYS, a state-wide educational and advocacy group. That led to me to serve as President of ArtsNYS for the last three years which has been incredibly fruitful. The Arts Center was able to distribute a million dollars over two years in grants to our community. Beyond the funding, I’ve met a lot of people. Last fall I invited the Center for Urban Futures (See ACE! Interview with Eli Dvorkin of CUF) here to talk about the arts and artists in the Capital Region. The growth here is phenomenal. The artist population is growing at a faster rate than any other sector. It’s really exciting. I stepped down as President, but will still be finishing the projects that I started, including a state-wide artist survey that ACE!, CREATE Council on the Arts and Siena College collaborated on with the Arts Center. We are just getting to building the research tools for the findings. Stay tuned on that one.

A Young Student Works in the Stained Glass Shop at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy NY
Image: Provided

With a new administration, the end of ARPA funding and the current underwriting challenges for the arts, where do you see things headed in 2025? What in your opinion needs to be the main focus for arts / cultural institutions?

You know, the future is a little uncertain in regards to policy and funding. And so many people are feeling unsafe right now. This is where the rings on my tree may be an asset. I’ve seen this before. Federal funds may retract, state funds will be under strain….but….private dollars may fare better. It’s too soon to tell. One thing I do know…. this kind of uncertainty leads me to my own true certainty – in times of unrest people need the arts. Artists help us understand what we are seeing, experiencing and feeling. Time and time again, when things get tough, people want to feel control. So they start making things again. There’s a reason crafts blew up during the pandemic. It was something to do, sure, but it was something we could do with our own two hands and with our own autonomy. So the arts will forge on. At the Arts Center? Our main focus will be on strengthening our core programming and to continue to rebuild now that the rescue funds have be spent. Yet, we’ll also try to be sensitive to the changes and stay ahead of them. We will be as nimble as possible to serve the needs as they present themselves. That said, we have a few ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) and DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) dollars to spend, so look forward to more public art.

BIG INK Print Workshop at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy NY | Image: Provided

What would you say are some practical suggestions that folks can put to use in their organizations to find a more predictable resource sustainability?

That’s a big question. Lets see…

When funding gets tough, its always good to stick to your core competencies and to deliver them with excellence. If you want predictability, you too need to be predictable. That doesn’t mean you have to do the same creative act every day, but it does mean you have to commit to the same level of care and thoughtfulness in what you bring to the public.

Art Center of the Capital Region – 2023 Troy Art Block in Church Street Alley, Troy NY
Image: Steve Alverez

It’s better to have 100 donors at $10 a month than one donor at $1000 a month even though its a lot more work. Your funding can withstand donors dropping in and out and your programming can stay on track.

I’m also still learning this one – communicate more than you think you need to. People – whether they are consumers or donors – want the inside track. They want to stay in touch. Let’s face it, its hard to get people’s attention, so develop a communication plan and stick with it. Even if no one tells you they are listening. They are.

Youth Photography Workshop at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy NY
Image: Provided

Anything in the pipeline that we should be aware of? Anything you would like to plug that you have coming up?

More and more creatives are moving upstate and they aren’t interested in our old rules of who does what or our outdated regional boundaries. The work week will continue to flow and change, where people go for arts and entertainment will flow and change, and I hope as a community we can work together to reach for more.

Sorry I don’t have anything more tangible. It’s winter. We are all hunkered down. The kilns downstairs in the pottery studio are warm though…

For more info –
WEB: capartscenter.org
IG: @capregionartscenter
FB: @TheArtsCenteroftheCapitalRegion

Working on the Wheel in the Pottery Studio | Image: Provided

ALN’S Steve Lawrence : All the Things, All the Time

January 10, 2025 By Corey Aldrich

My first introduction to Arts Letters & Numbers was through ACE! Our previous ED, Maureen Sager had set up for us to do a ‘Creative Networking’ event there (2019). My first impression was very similar to that of Salem Art Works, who I had done a bit of consulting with when I first left my corporate job in real estate. A hyper creative, renegade spirit with an alluring joie de vivre that attracts highly creative minds and makers. Recently, I went to an opening there and Founding Director, David Gersten invited me to stay for dinner which would be at their newest campus acquisition, La Perla Restaurant. The conversation was rich. David and Steve Lawerence, the Associate Director started passionately telling me about the educational programming and creatively fluid campus style that is developing. I had to share. This type of experiential programming really gets me excited and I am hoping it will inspire you to consider new and innovative approaches to what you do.

Steve Lawrence, Associate Director at Arts Letters & Numbers in Avrill Park, NY | Image: Provided

Please state your name, title and past experience that got you to where you are today.

I’m Steven Lawrence, and I currently serve as the Associate Director at Arts Letters & Numbers (ALN) in Averill Park, NY. My journey here has been shaped by a blend of being a tradesman, artist, educator, and psychologist. I ended up at Arts Letters & Numbers because I changed the heating system during a stint of contracting after retiring from the classroom and working on post-grad work.

After high school, I found my way into the trades as a plumbing and heating contractor. I ran my own company for several years before transitioning into becoming a licensed NYS teacher in 2009. I spent 12 years abroad teaching History, English, and Psychology across international schools in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and China. Whatever the system I was teaching in, I focused on creating learning environments that nurture both intellectual and emotional growth. I quickly found that of all that I “taught”, the teaching of meditative practices to students was by far the most important. Through this, and my work outside the classroom in therapeutic settings, I’m now pursuing my PhD in Psychology at Saybrook University (C.A.) specializing in transpersonal psychology and the hermeneutics of meditative expressions as viable treatment.

I’ve always been passionate about the power of craft and the arts in shaping the future. At ALN, I’m working to bridge the worlds of arts, trades, and academics, helping students connect with opportunities that are both practical and creative. The skills students develop in these fields will play a crucial role in shaping their future – just as they did for me.

Arts Letters & Numbers – Resident Artist / Dancer Emma Bäcklund | Image: Zelé Angelides

Can you tell us a bit about what a day in the life looks like for you at ALN? Also, maybe a bit about the diversity of programming you have going on…

My days are a mix of community engagement, creative collaboration, and facility and program development. As Associate Director, I work on fostering connections with local educators and organizations, helping to expand our hands-on learning opportunities across arts, trades, and experiential programs. We have the privilege of a wonderfully supportive team and community that play a critical role in the success of any project associated with ALN.

A big part of my role is supporting artist residencies, where we provide them with space to create and collaborate. These residencies are about fostering the artistic experience, connecting artists with the community, and creating a space for cross-disciplinary exchange. Additionally, the maintenance of facilities could take an afternoon or two, keeping up houses, apartments, studios and the Mill.

La Perla Restaurant and the Gregory House Inn, Part of ALN’s Growing Campus | Image: Provided

La Perla Restaurant, which was opened under the ALN banner in August 2024, has been an exciting addition to the project. The restaurant brings in not only local people from the community, but musicians, poets, and guests that stay at at the Gregory House Inn.

Arts Letters & Numbers Workshop / Educational Programming | Image: Provided

I am always struck by the quality of offerings that I see happening at ALN, real intellectual stuff juxtapositioned nicely with get your hands dirty, maker oriented programming. What’s the organizational philosophy that you have to drive the selection and balance?

Our philosophy centers on the belief that intellectual exploration and hands-on creativity are most impactful when combined. We intentionally balance thought-provoking programs with maker-oriented experiences to create a dynamic, holistic learning environment. Our aim is to balance thinking with making.

Arts Letters & Numbers Workshop on Campus | Image: Zelé Angelides

Our approach is interdisciplinary, connecting different fields to foster deeper understanding, while also encouraging collaboration across disciplines, enriching both intellectual and creative work. We prioritize personalization, offering opportunities for participants to engage in both deep reflection and tactile creation, to explore their passions in diverse ways. Add to that our moto: “Yes, in advance.” and “If we know what it’s going to be we don’t do it”. Very often that’s all anyone needs, it’s so remarkably simple. It’s not easy, but it’s simple.

We also ensure that our programs have a community impact, providing real-world relevance and opportunities to engage with the local environment.

Art Letters & Number Mural Project for Doors of Hope with Partners: Rensselaer County Mental Health Student Assistance Program (SAP), and the Nopiates Committee | Image: Provided

I am especially interested in your pursuit of educational integration, IE working with non-campus based populations, academic institutions and other arts organizations. Can you sketch out what the ALN vision is there, and how you are continuing to expand that approach?

Our vision is to create a network where learning is not confined to traditional settings but extends into the broader community. Our approach is centered on connecting students and artists with real-world opportunities that span across any discipline imaginable. We are committed to collaborating with local schools, such as Big Picture Learning in Schenectady, the Averill Park School District and Berlin Central, to bring experiential learning out of the classroom through internships and hands-on programs. We also have a strong connection in secondary education with R.P.I., Russell Sage College, The Cooper Union in New York, as well as a range of international institutions. These connections are a testament of the life and career of David Gertsten, the Founding Director and President of ALN.

Arts Letters & Numbers Founding Director David Gertsten Does TEDx | Image: Provided

2018 ALN Collaboration : ‘Future Unknown’ Chancellor’s Summit held at
The Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing, China | Image: Provided

We’re deepening these collaborations to develop more integrated programs that connect craftsmanship, creativity, and theory as a sort of global exchange. This allows us to create rather unconventional pathways to learning and individual development. ALN is evolving into a truly interdisciplinary and transnational model. I wouldn’t say we’re building a school, it’s more like we’re working to supplement a learning experience that students want and typical schools can’t always provide. Schools have been open to working together. Generally, any hurdles are pragmatic, working through a system one issue at a time and sticking with it. ‘No’ can’t be an answer, sometimes.

Arts Letter & Numbers Film Project Collaboration with Youth FX and the
Albany High School’s Social Justice Theater Program | Image: Provided

It’s all very collaborative, what would you recommend to other institutions who may have an interest in expanding their footprint to have a greater yet practical impact? Thoughts on how to do that sustainably from a resource perspective?

When working with other institutions towards the same ends, it’s essential to focus on creating genuine partnerships that bring real value. Find the people that ‘get it’ and work with them. Starting small with pilot programs or focused collaborations can help you see what works before expanding. It’s also important to find synergies between different partners—whether that’s through sharing resources like space and staffing or finding common goals to work towards. Sustainability comes from creating partnerships that are mutually beneficial, where the collaboration strengthens the work of everyone involved.

When partnering with local schools, businesses, or other arts organizations, we look for opportunities to build programs that are aligned with our style of approach. It’s important to note that these discussions often take months—sometimes even a year—before a project fully comes to fruition. This long timeline is the reality of creating great programs. While planning and discussing future initiatives, we’re also actively carrying out the programs that are already in motion. Patience is essential. It’s important to manage both long-term development and the work happening right now.

We’re always keen to open the space for folks to venture out into their artistic pursuits. Recently a local woodworker took up shop here to get his furniture business off the ground. As ‘compensation’ he lends a hand, using his skill sets to support us where he can. There are ways to be creative about developing transactional relationships.

Arts Letters and Numbers – Teaching Time | Image: Zelé Angelides

Anything in the pipeline that we should be aware of? Anything you would like to plug that you have coming up?

We’re continuing to work closely with local schools and developing community projects that students can be involved in. These initiatives take on many forms, from community-based murals to a community table-building project for the Poestenkill Town Park.

Our residency seasons run from January 15-March 15 and April 15-June 15, where we invite artists from various disciplines to create, collaborate, and engage with the local community. Many are scheduled to arrive, and our application process is still open. You can learn more by visiting our residency page.

We’re also excited to be running our Craft 1o1 project again this year in July and August 2025. It’s our second year running, and we had a remarkable time last year. It’s a unique opportunity for individuals to engage experiences unlike anything I’ve seen, where we engage masters of craft in upwards of 15 different disciplines – from music to masonry, poetry to plumbing. That is to say, musicians learn masonry and masons learn to play music, poets plumb and plumbers write poetry. It’s rather remarkable. We’ll be announcing the open registration for that soon, otherwise folks can plan ahead and join the residency which allows them to participate.

Food Prep at Arts Letters & Numbers | Image: Zelé Angelides

There are a few other exciting projects in development that I’m not quite ready to announce, but you can stay updated on all of our upcoming initiatives by following our newsletter. It’s the best way to stay in the loop and hear about what we’re up to.

For more info –
WEB: artslettersandnumbers.com | IG/FB : @artslettersandnumbers

Joshua Gruft’s Paper Moon : Diverse International Flavor and Happening Community Vibes

November 25, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

Joshua Gruft has shown up everywhere over the last couple of years. DJ gigs for cool parties and burlesque shows, bar based magazine release events, and now…he even has an old school rare book and magazine store called Paper Moon in Troy, NY that has a killer roster of community based music and literature happenings. I caught up with him to get the latest and man, was I out of the loop as to just how cool and diverse a programming calendar PM has going on! We talked about the above and also chatted about leaving a day gig to go full time into the full time entrepreneurial business, creative lifestyle.

Joshua Gruft : Owner at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Provided

Please state your name, title and educational / artistic background.

My name is Joshua Gruft, and I’m the owner of Paper Moon Bookstore, which opened in March 2024. I hold a BA in Music and Education from City College of New York, and I’ve spent the past 20 years working as a professional musician, promoter, and artistic director.

MC Event at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Provided

Can you tell us more about your shop? What motivated you to open a physical location. I have worked with you in the past as DJ Mercy. Do you plan on spinning there?

When I launched my own magazine, I noticed how few places offered magazine selections. I wanted to change that and bring something unique to downtown Troy. Paper Moon is a bookstore and magazine shop that features hard-to-find titles and showcases local art.

Paper Moon in Troy, NY has an Amazing Selection of Rare Zines, Books and Magazines | Image(s): Instagram

I have a symbiotic relationship with DJ Mercy, so whenever I’m working in the shop, I’m also spinning. The current shop mix contains tracks from the Jazz is Dead series by Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhamed, albums from the Smiling C record label, a healthy dose of Donald Byrd & RinseFM.

Event Crowd at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Provided

The size of the space and format reminds me of things I was seeing in Tokyo a few years ago. Can you dive a little into the current and long term vision for the retail space product mix and social programming?

The shop began as a space for cool books and magazines, inspired by Gagosian Shops’ high-art style and Casa Magazines’ floor-to-ceiling setup. My goal is to maximize every inch to showcase art, host events, and foster community. I’m already bringing together poetry nights, local punk bands, free improv/jazz, noise performances, book talks, and art shows. I’m a promoter by trade, so throwing unique events is my passion—they also help transform the shop’s aesthetics and give local creatives a home.

Sample of Event Flyers for Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image(s): Instagram

Setting up a retail shop is financially challenging. How were you able to pull that off? Did you have to bring in partners? I am always interested in how folks make these things a reality, so many creatives have dreams of doing creative businesses but don’t know where to start.

Opening Paper Moon was indeed financially challenging. I used part of my retirement savings from my last corporate job to make it happen. I don’t have a team of partners, but I’ve leaned on friends, family, and other local indie business owners for emotional support. I’m also grateful to have Marc Arsenault as my one employee—he’s been running Wow Cool comics distro since 1988, so it’s incredible to fill 40% of the shop with his extensive back catalog of comics spanning different eras and genres.

WOW Cool Selection of Rare Books,Graphic Novels and Comics at Paper Moon | Image(s): Instagram

Poetry Reading at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Marc Arsenault of WOW Cool via Facebook

Shameless plug: Anything additional coming up we should know about?

The holidays are coming up! Come by and let me help you find something unique and fun for your friends and family. Make sure to tell me you heard about us in the ACE! Newsletter!

For more info or to follow them on Instagram: Paper Moon Troy