PREVIEW: First Friday Albany
Photos by Tom Miller
“Here at Metroland Now, we couldn’t be more excited to lead this monthly celebration of arts, culture, and entertainment around one of our favorite cities.”
Lots of things have been uncertain lately: the weather can’t decide which circle of Upstate NY hell we’re in, it’s somehow already June, and I don’t know what length of shorts looks cool anymore. But one thing is for sure, and it’s that First Friday in Albany tonight is going to be incredible.
At a press release on Friday May 30th, Erin Harkes announced that Metroland Now will be heading up First Fridays from now on, with some exciting new changes. First and foremost, Metroland Now will be using its status as a nonprofit to apply for grants and sponsorships in order to pay artists for their art while taking the onus off of small businesses. At the same time, First Friday will remain free for the community to enjoy.
And what is there to enjoy this Friday? For starters, there’s plenty of family-friendly enjoyment that both kids and parents can jam out to. From 5:00-7:00 PM, The Youth Stage at The Blake Annex will feature an insanely talented variety of young artists, from Alec Kraweicki to The Albany Rock Pit Band to DJ Amelia.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat and some tunes? Have no fear, we’ve got you covered there, too. At Emack & Bolio’s, Capital Groove will be playing from 7:00-9:30 PM. And if all you parents and guardians need a little help dealing with that sugar high, head over to Viva Empanadas and Grill for Spanish red and white sangria pitchers for $25 or $8 by the glass. (Although, I also recommend the Cuban Beef Empanadas…just sayin’).
Tops of Trees will be sharing their Friday night with us at The Eleven at Lark Hall from 6:00-8:00 PM. This time last year, they were opening for Blues Traveler up in Saratoga for The Belmont, but now it’s time to show them some “Mad Love” down in the capital.
Here’s the thing, though, folks…that’s not even half the list! The Croaks will be at McGeary’s from 7:00-9:00 PM, East Coast Playaz will be at Ama Cocina from 6:00-9:00 PM, Shannon Roy will be at Ophelia’s from 5:00-7:00 PM, rounding out the “official” section of First Friday. But for you night owls, the fun can still continue. Cracked Karaoke will be held at Pint Sized by Dive Upstate at 9:00 PM for free and Ophelia’s begins a second show at 7:00 PM for a $30 cover – Seth David with Double Take, Rome Thrasher, Gimmie Gimmie, and Kellenhagen will all be taking the stage throughout the night.
While it may not be exactly the First Friday of your youth (hey…you have kids now!) it’s going to be pretty damn great. Here at Metroland Now, we couldn’t be more excited to lead this monthly celebration of arts, culture, and entertainment around one of our favorite cities. We love ya, Albany. Now come out and hang with us!
A huge thank you to the Community Foundation of the Greater Capital Region for awarding Metroland Now a grant as part of the Michele L. Vennard Hospitality Grant Program of the Albany County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Fund which helps make events like First Friday possible!
