Drawing: American Music Festival + Peck's Arcade
The beautiful concert hall at EMPAC hosts some of the festival performances.
Drawing's closed! Winner's been emailed!
The Albany Symphony's American Music Festival returns May 31-June 4 in Troy. We have a pair of festival passes and we're giving them away.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE: The winner of the drawing will also get a $50 gift card to Peck's Arcade.
To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:
This year's festival has a "Water Music" theme. So... What's you're favorite Capital Region body of water? Why?
It could be a lake, a river, a stream, a puddle that shows up after rain, a backyard pool, whatever. We'll draw one winner at random -- that person will get the pair of festival passes and the Peck's gift certificate.
One of the things that distinguishes the Albany Symphony is its efforts to highlight the work of American composers. And the American Music Festival is a prominent example of that dedication. Blurbage for the festival, the theme of which this year is inspired by the Erie Canal:
+ Five days of concerts, recitals, interactive experiences, special events, and artistic happenings across Troy including performances by the renowned Albany Symphony and their raucous, progressive Dogs of Desire ensemble.
+ More than 30 new and recent works by 24 American composers, including 14 stunning world premieres.
+ Experiencing Troy as a unique cultural destination through performances at the legendary Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, the Tiffany glass adorned St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and the state-of-the-art Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC.)
+ Exploring the intimate relationship between music, technology, humankind's deep dependence on water, and Troy's rich heritage as a canal community.
Festival passes are $99 and available online.
And, of course, you know Peck's Arcade on Broadway in downtown Troy. It's one of the best restaurants in the Capital Region.
Important: All comments must be submitted by noon on Thursday, May 25, 2017 to be entered in the drawing. You must answer the question to be part of the drawing. (Normal commenting guidelines apply.) One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winner will be notified via email by 5 pm on Thursday and must respond by 5 pm that Friday.
Say Something!
We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.
Comments
The waterfalls in Thacher Park!
... said Nick on May 23, 2017 at 11:27 AM | link
Buckingham Pond. A truly moving and inspiring place to drink malt liquor when you're 17 years old.
... said Alex on May 23, 2017 at 11:35 AM | link
Grafton is definitely my favorite beach/lake to go to in the summer in the capital region!!
... said Beth on May 23, 2017 at 11:43 AM | link
The stream near the house where I grew up. Looking at it now, it's rather small, but as a kid it was a raging river that provided endless hours of entertainment in the summer.
... said Katie on May 23, 2017 at 11:53 AM | link
A little north but I really enjoy Moreau Lake! It's really peaceful for kayaking and awesome to snowshoe in the winter.
... said Kerry on May 23, 2017 at 11:55 AM | link
The Hudson! Especially on a Dutch Apple Cruise!
... said Evan on May 23, 2017 at 11:58 AM | link
The Mohawk River alongside the trails of Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve in Clifton Park. Peaceful and beautiful.
... said V. on May 23, 2017 at 12:00 PM | link
I love the little waterfalls at Albany Rural Cemetery. So beautiful and peaceful.
... said Amy on May 23, 2017 at 12:00 PM | link
Am I allowed to say the Hudson River? Though it's not the *cleanest* body of water, it is a remarkable body of water and the Capital Region wouldn't be here without it. And it makes the path in the Corning Preserve a lovely stroll!
... said Linda on May 23, 2017 at 12:01 PM | link
The Poestenkill as it goes through Eagle Mills. It's got wildlife, a great waterfall as Route 2 crosses over, and some sweet swimming holes perfect for a hot summer day.
... said Meredith on May 23, 2017 at 12:06 PM | link
Definitely the fountain in Washington Park! Great for the dog to cool off in during the summer.
... said Amanda S. on May 23, 2017 at 12:08 PM | link
The Lincoln Park Pool!
... said Trish on May 23, 2017 at 12:16 PM | link
I like the Normanskill. On the new rail trail there are awesome rapids, and farther upstream there are some nice spots in Tawasentha Park.
... said Tiffany on May 23, 2017 at 12:18 PM | link
Great Sacandaga Lake, because it reminds me of the Finger Lakes region where I grew up but is only a stone's throw away now.
... said KGB on May 23, 2017 at 12:19 PM | link
Cohoes water falls, Thatcher park water fall & the Hudson by the corning preserve!
... said Michelle on May 23, 2017 at 12:23 PM | link
Buckingham Lake because its walking distance from the house and an awesome neighborhood amenity.
... said Shawn on May 23, 2017 at 12:28 PM | link
Those Grafton Lakes -- all five of them.
... said Chris on May 23, 2017 at 12:32 PM | link
The Hudson. This is a river that shaped this history of the region. It's the tie that binds us to NYC, the Adirondacks and to each other. This is the river that so captivated a generation of artists that their work led directly to the birth of the environmental movement and the creation of our National Parks system. The Hudson the region's greatest asset.
... said daleyplanit on May 23, 2017 at 12:32 PM | link
The horseshoe across from Peebles Island.
... said tooter on May 23, 2017 at 12:33 PM | link
Shaver Pond at Grafton Lakes State Park. The park can be super busy in the summer but Shaver Pond is usually an oasis of peace and quiet.
... said Kate on May 23, 2017 at 12:34 PM | link
The Hudson, specifically surrounding Peebles Island. I love running around there. In one word: sublime.
... said Angela on May 23, 2017 at 12:34 PM | link
Washington Park Lake because it's available to everyone regardless of weather they own a car or not. It does not discriminate.
... said Greg Slocum on May 23, 2017 at 12:37 PM | link
Aside from some of the waterfalls or swimming areas on hikes, the times I spend in a friends pool are so fun! Great company and sunshine.
... said AS on May 23, 2017 at 1:07 PM | link
The lake in Washington Park. A serene oasis in the city.
... said chrisck on May 23, 2017 at 1:09 PM | link
I know it's not natural water, but the Empire State Plaza pools are stunning.
... said Riley Ackley on May 23, 2017 at 1:10 PM | link
The Hudson! I travel downstate fairly often on the Amtrak, and it follows the river for the entire route. You can see mountains shrouded in mist behind the river and tiny islands out front, birds and wildlife, and people boating and fishing. It's a wonderful portrait that feels quite timeless.
... said Ell on May 23, 2017 at 1:15 PM | link
Round Lake. Friendly, welcoming, and next to the best little village in the world.
... said Fisher on May 23, 2017 at 1:48 PM | link
Peter's Kill in the New Paltz area... today. But gosh, in a world with so many amazing swim holes I am having a really hard time deciding.
PS: Now that I have a small kid, Grafton is really king.
... said Jenna on May 23, 2017 at 2:00 PM | link
Lake George is the best!
... said Crystal on May 23, 2017 at 2:00 PM | link
This question is patently unfair to wild-trout anglers. I mean, I could easily lie and give you my #2 (Mohawk) and why (if you've ever walked the shale flats that's more than enough reason right there), but that would be cheating, and there's no way you're getting #1. So I'll just say it starts around 1,600' and ends around 0' amsl, transitioning along the way through every stream character imaginable, from mountain plunge pools to urban canal. Need I say more? Too bad.
... said Ed on May 23, 2017 at 2:08 PM | link
Definitely the Hudson River - it always makes me imagine Henry Hudson sailing it all those years ago....
... said Maggie Taylor on May 23, 2017 at 2:10 PM | link
My pool! Nothing more serene than sitting in the screened pavilion at the edge of our woods and watching the sunlight on the water.
... said Christine on May 23, 2017 at 2:16 PM | link
My parents' pool! Even though I'm an adult who has moved out on my own, I still enjoy a day by their pool while my dad grills.
... said jay pea on May 23, 2017 at 2:23 PM | link
The Might Hudson River. The Clearwater's work over decades has vastly improved the river's health and our health. As others have written - The Hudson has played a dramatic role in NY State's history and its beauty is unsurpassed.
... said Nancy on May 23, 2017 at 2:29 PM | link
The Red Mill Creek which winds its way through the woods behind my house, with the Albany Sky line peeking through the trees.
... said Karen Tracey on May 23, 2017 at 2:30 PM | link
Victoria pool, obvs
... said Kaira on May 23, 2017 at 2:31 PM | link
The beautiful Mohawk River, especially from Riverside Park in the Stockade.
... said Maria C. on May 23, 2017 at 2:39 PM | link
My favorite is the Bozenkill at the Christman sanctuary in Duanesburg. There is a 30 foot waterfall, that kind of flows down steps rather than straight down vertically. Sometimes it's a river, sometimes it's a trickle. The stone formations are really the best.
... said capgirl on May 23, 2017 at 2:50 PM | link
Indian Pond at U Albany. Right in the middle of campus, but virtually deserted.
... said Dan on May 23, 2017 at 2:55 PM | link
I have three favorites, mainly due to childhood memories: Buckingham Pond (fun for fishing, walking and skating), Washington Park lake (I loved taking the paddleboats around it and fishing and walking) and finally five mile waterworks on Fuller road (another good one for boating and fishing).
... said Dave R. on May 23, 2017 at 3:16 PM | link
Cohoes Falls especially after a large storm, or snow melt when it is really showing it's stuff!!!
... said llcwine on May 23, 2017 at 3:22 PM | link
Gotta say the Hudson, one of the most important rivers in the U.S. And now with less PCBs!
... said Adam on May 23, 2017 at 3:54 PM | link
The Hudson River - it's a great measure of the changing seasons, my favorite walking trail is next to the river, and we love enjoying the River at Dinosaur BBQs deck!
... said Jessica RW on May 23, 2017 at 3:55 PM | link
Tivoli Lake because it is 7 minutes away by bike. I have been there dozens of times without seeing anyone. Are the goats there yet?
... said james on May 23, 2017 at 4:25 PM | link
The falls on Bozenkill in the Christman Sanctuary. Beautiful in all seasons.
... said -m on May 23, 2017 at 4:54 PM | link
Tomhannock Reservoir for the fishing
... said Tom on May 23, 2017 at 5:40 PM | link
Buckingham Pond - a little oasis of respite in our busy city
... said Josh K. on May 23, 2017 at 5:45 PM | link
The fountain in Bleecker Park -- the oldest one in the city!
... said jaysea on May 23, 2017 at 6:10 PM | link
Wintergreen Park in Canajoharie. We're​about to make our annual start of summer pilgrimage! An absolutely gorgeous hike and swim place.
... said Kizzi Casale on May 23, 2017 at 7:11 PM | link
The Hoosick. There's a little known river club called Brown's to Brown's. To join, you must kayak or canoe every (navigable) section of the Hoosick and the Hudson rivers from Brown's Brewery in Hoosick Falls to Brown's in Troy. Yes it has been done. Talk lately is to extend it to the Bright Ideas brewery at Mass Moca in North Adams, and one day make it Bright's to Browns.
... said Big 'Vic' Proton on May 23, 2017 at 8:45 PM | link
The beautiful and historic Hudson River. I love to picture the vibrant waterway it once was -- trade, travel, fishing, native nations living beside it.
... said nan on May 23, 2017 at 8:47 PM | link
I have to say the mighty Hudson as well, even if it doesn't appear so mighty in this region. Albany wouldn't have grown here without it, and it is so important in the history of NYC and the entire Hudson Valley. Go Hudson!
... said Pete on May 23, 2017 at 10:28 PM | link
Buckingham Pond! A thriving tiny little pond in the middle of the city
... said Marshall on May 23, 2017 at 11:01 PM | link
There are many, but especially loved the Aqua Duck tours on the Hudson River; wish they had not left Albany!
... said Lynnda on May 24, 2017 at 2:52 AM | link
The Normanskill! My current 'home.'
... said mp on May 24, 2017 at 7:58 AM | link
The Mohawk River by Peebles Island. I watch it all year via my walking commute, and I love watching its height and the character of the river change.
... said Jennifer on May 24, 2017 at 8:41 AM | link
Lake George
... said JES on May 24, 2017 at 8:53 AM | link
I don't know the name of the creek/river, but I've been riding my bike on the new Slingerlands to Albany bike path and you pass by a great river with waterfalls that just roars. Awesome.
... said Erin Pelletier on May 24, 2017 at 9:01 AM | link
Backyard ponds after a heavy rain ... ephemeral ...
... said Newland on May 24, 2017 at 9:03 AM | link
Lake at Washington Park. Within walking distance of my home, and a relaxing part of a walk through the park.
... said David on May 24, 2017 at 9:47 AM | link
The mohawk river with the bike path!
... said Kim on May 24, 2017 at 9:50 AM | link
Crooked Lake - its close to town and the water quality is not impaired.
... said Suzanna R on May 24, 2017 at 10:51 AM | link
Grafton Lake!
... said Kelly on May 24, 2017 at 11:29 AM | link
The pond at the Crossings - my daughter loves the ducks and fish!
... said Anne on May 24, 2017 at 12:12 PM | link
I have to say the Hudson River.
I love her downstate or upstate.
I love admiring her in Riverside Park.
I love riding along her on the the Amtrak.
I love trying to catch a glimpse of the bald eagles near Cold Spring on the train.
I love getting upclose and personal to her in the Adirondacks.
I even love driving alongside her on Route 28 en route to other beautiful bodies of water in the ADK.
... said AB on May 24, 2017 at 12:13 PM | link
The Hudson along Troy's Waterfront Park
... said Mike on May 24, 2017 at 12:43 PM | link
I love Warner Lake out in East Berne! It's just the right size for paddling around on our kayaks.
... said Jen on May 24, 2017 at 1:02 PM | link
The bike/rollerblade path along the Mohawk
... said Su on May 24, 2017 at 1:19 PM | link
The small pond at Mill Road Golf course. The other day I saw a mother duck and her babies. So cute!
... said Amy on May 24, 2017 at 1:22 PM | link
Cohoes Falls. It's a natural wonder
... said Bill on May 24, 2017 at 2:06 PM | link
The Poestenkill, along Rt 2 and especially Barberville Falls. Such a great stream.
... said eika on May 24, 2017 at 2:09 PM | link
The falls as Christman sanctuary are great, particularly when you have them to yourself
... said Adam on May 24, 2017 at 2:42 PM | link
The Great Sacandaga Lake. I call it the poor man's Lake George. Its much less crowded,than Lake George, and its wider so I find it more fun to sail there. Very scenic and some nice "dock and dine" opportunities.
... said Cliff on May 24, 2017 at 2:51 PM | link
The hudson, bc its my backyard :)
... said Marissa on May 24, 2017 at 3:08 PM | link
I'd have to say Cohoes Falls. It's such an underappreciated historically important site.
... said cc on May 24, 2017 at 5:03 PM | link
Shaver Pond
... said Tess on May 24, 2017 at 5:13 PM | link
The Vlomankill where it runs through five rivers.
... said mg on May 25, 2017 at 1:03 AM | link
Empire State Plaza fountain because its got a calming feeling.
... said Michelle on May 25, 2017 at 7:48 AM | link
Wave pool at Six Flags Great Escape
Best fun around in the summer!
... said Rich on May 25, 2017 at 7:49 AM | link
I love Lake George- It's a very nostalgic place for me plus I was married on Lake George.
... said Debi on May 25, 2017 at 8:02 AM | link
Sacandaga Lake. Spent many a great weekend afternoons out there.
... said Ryan R on May 25, 2017 at 11:29 AM | link
On a large scale- the Hudson. Going down to the river has been a routine of mine since I moved to Troy but I'm still always amazed at how massive it gets as you head downstate.
On a smaller scale, there's a depression in the backyard that fills with water after a decent period of rain and sticks around for a day or so. The city finches and brown birds go BANANAS splashing around in it once the rain stops. It never ceases to make me smile.
... said Cmaxby on May 25, 2017 at 1:35 PM | link
Dunham Reservoir
... said spencer on May 25, 2017 at 2:40 PM | link
Cohoes Falls - a thing of beauty.
... said Michael H on May 25, 2017 at 3:27 PM | link