Items tagged with 'larkstreet'
Center Square wallpaper
It's like a giant "Where's Waldo" game for Center Square.
Laura Glazer and Lori Hansen think Albany's Center Square residents are proud of their neighborhood. So when they were working on a 1st Friday project for the big windows at Capitol Wine, in the heart of the Washington Park/Center Square neighborhood, they wanted to find a way to express that pride.
The photographer and graphic artist considered a number of ideas before settling on the one thing that neither of them felt they were good at: drawing.
The result: some fun rolls of Center Square "wallpaper" that are fun, quirky and as it turns out, just a tiny bit AOA inspired.
Photos and a little more from Laura Glazer after the jump.
Shuffle of Indian restaurants on Lark
One's out, one's in?
Update: MattW checks back in to say that Tandoor Palace was back open when he went by Thursday evening.
___
MattW sends along word that it appears Tandoor Palace at Lark and Madison in Albany has been seized by the state Department of Taxation and Finance for "nonpayment of taxes." (more photos after the jump)
At the other end of Lark, it's look like another Indian place is sprouting: a sign in one of the spaces by the still-closed Al Baraki says a restaurant called Jewel of Indian is coming soon. There's a website mentioned, but the domain is currently parked.
Of course, that neighborhood is still not without Indian options: LaZeez is at 35 Central and Aashiana is at 31 Central and Gandhi is at 1 Central.
Also: As of earlier this month, a Taste of Greece was for sale -- $55,000 was the asking price.
LarkFest music lineup
The LarkFest organizers announced the music lineup for this year's festival.
In contrast to recent years when the lineup featured one or two bigger names, this year's slate features a range of somewhat lesser-known acts from different genres -- indie rock to neo-soul to Midwesterners who "sound like a drunkenly angry Tom Petty crawling out of a Florida swamp."
Some of them sound pretty good. The full lineup and the local acts -- selected in a contest from over 80 entries -- after the jump.
LarkFest silent disco
This could be fun/odd: this year's LarkFest will include a "silent disco." From one of the organizers:
We will be closing off Hudson [Ave] near Washington Park and throwing Albany's first Silent Disco.
Each patron will be given a wireless headset. 2 DJs will broadcast their music over the airwaves and the party goers will be able to choose which one they listen to.
Here's the Facebook event page.
Googling around a bit, it looks there have been such quiet get downs in a bunch of places (the UK, especially) and music festivals (including Camp Bisco).
[via @PatrickDodson]
Assembly passes Albany residential parking permits bill
The approximate area covered by the 3/4 mile radius. Not every spot will be subject to the permits.
The state Assembly has passed the bill that would allow the City of Albany to run a trial residential parking permit program around the Empire State Plaza. From Albany Common Councilman Richard Conti's Facebook status last night:
Albany Permit Parking Bill just passed the Assembly, 80-45! Thanks to Assemblymembers McEneny and Canestrari for their efforts on moving this forward ... now it moves to Governor Paterson for approval.
The bill passed in the state Senate last week.
Among the bill's provisions:
+ The City of Albany would be allowed to "pilot a residential parking permit system with a two year sunset" within a 3/4 mile radius of the ESP.
+ No more than 2,750 spaces would be made available by permit in the permitted area. (The bill figures there are about 9000 spaces total in the affected area.)
+ Permit parking would not be allowed on streets where adjacent properties are zoned for "commercial, office and/or retail use."
+ At least 20 percent of the spaces in the permit would be available for non-residents to use for at least 90 minutes at a time.
(Thanks, Mike and others!)
Update: From a PEF press release:
The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) is disappointed state lawmakers have passed the Albany Permit Parking Plan, pandering to a small group of residents while shunning the needs of the general public.
The union is calling for Paterson to veto the legislation.
Earlier on AOA: Is the brake coming off residential parking permits near the ESP in Albany?
Lark-ternative looks
Richard sent along a photoset of the avant-garde looks created by local stylists at the Lark-ternative Hair Competition this past weekend at Art on Lark. Some of the styles are whimsical, some are fierce -- all area little out there.
Bonus shot: Here's another photo from the competition by Mike Watson (Flickr user musicnartblue).
Bonus photoset: Flickr user vonnegutjr has posted a handful of photos from the music stage.
photo: Richard R
Art on Lark is coming up
The annual Art on Lark festival is this coming Saturday in Albany. Lark Street will be closed off for all the artistic happenings.
Among them is a new event: the Lark-ternative Hair Competition. From the Lark Street BID:
The competition will feature four of the most innovative and talented hair designers in the Capital Region. Each of the four contestants will have the opportunity to show five different avant-garde or alternative hairstyles as a complete head-to-toe look with make up, clothing and accessories. The stylists will also get the opportunity to explain the vision and inspiration behind their collections.
A panel of judges will pick a winner.
Art on Lark will will also include music on two stages. The lineups are after the jump.
Capital Pride 2010 photos
The rain didn't dampen spirits.
Sebastien along a good photoset from the Capital Pride parade this past weekend. Be sure to catch the rest on his photo blog.
photo: Sebastien B
Lark Tavern benefit
There's a "Rock to Rebuild the Lark Tavern" benefit coming up May 22 at the Washington Park lake house. On the schedule for the event: music, food, an art auction and a silent auction. Tickets are $10.
If you have goods or services to donate, contact Jasen Von Guiness: jvg |at| albanysociety |dot| org.
If you have art you'd like to donate for the auction, contact Samson Contompasis at the Marketplace Gallery: TheMarketplaceGalleryNY |at| gmail |dot| com.
To volunteer: larktavern.volunteer |at| gmail |dot| com
Earlier on AOA: Fire at Lark Tavern
Fire at Lark Tavern
After the fire Thursday morning.
There was a serious fire at the Lark Tavern early this morning.
The TU reports that firefighters say the building was "heavily damaged," but can probably be saved. WTEN reports that no one was hurt. Fox23 reports that firefighters aren't sure of the cause, yet.
MattW emailed this morning with the photo above: "There was a fire early this morning at Lark Tavern. Didn't see inside but it looks like there may extensive damage. They had a fire crane and the road closed off. My thoughts go out to Tess and the Lark family."
The Lark Tavern is a huge part of that neighborhood. Our thoughts are with Tess and everyone there. A whole lot of people are going to be pulling for them.
Update: Matt Baumgartner is organizing a Lark Tavern Fire Fund. He says Tess left a voicemail message for him this morning hoping to find jobs for her staff. He says she also mentioned that "It looks like we're not going to be able to open our doors for awhile."
There's also a benefit planned at the Marketplace Gallery. Artists interested in donating work should contact Samson Contampasis at at themarketplacegalleryny@gmail.com. (Thanks, Sue)
People are posting messages of support on the Lark Tavern Facebook page. From a wall posting by the Lark Tavern:
The out pour and response is truly amazing. Tess and the entire staff of Lark Tavern are deeply warmed with your thoughts, prayers, and support. As we gather ourselves and the smoke clears we will begin to take the next step, and will continue to keep you updated. Once again Thank You ♥
More updates: Here's a photo of multiple firefighters working the side of the building with ladders earlier this morning. [@tenacioustj]
Albany Bombers closed for a month
Getting a face-lift.
As Matt Baumgartner mentioned in our interview with him, the Lark Street Bombers will be closed this month for a complete renovation. From a post on Matt's blog:
We're gutting the kitchen and bathrooms, re-doing the bar, and making some really nice facade improvements. I'm really excited. It's gonna be great. Yes, I'm nervous about shutting down for that long. But it's needed. And we're also making menu improvements and adding some new additions to the bar side.
Matt says he expects the location to re-open January 27.
Santa Speedo Sprint 2009 photos
It's 25 degrees! Jump for joy!
This year's ASAP Santa Speedo Sprint was a great time -- lots of scantily-clad, sprinting Santas, a cheering crowd and more than $13,000 raised for the Albany Damien Center.
There are many photos -- and some video -- after the jump.
The Santa Speedo Sprint is this weekend
Proper attire required.
Here's a heads-up for the weekend: the Albany Society's annual Santa Speedo Sprint is this Saturday.
What, you may ask, is the Santa Speedo Sprint? Well, we could tell you about it -- but pictures from last year will really tell the story better. The proceeds from the sprint go toward supporting the Albany Damien Center.
This year's event starts "around 2 pm" on Saturday on Lark Street (get there a little early). It's a good time. And, you know, there's still time to sign up...
AOA is one of the media sponsors of this year's sprint -- that's why you've been seeing ads on the site.
Still no verdict in Bruno trial, new Saratoga police chief named, man allegedly walks out of jewelry store with $29k necklace, light rail for Saratoga?
Joe Bruno Trial: still no verdict. Jurors will be back for a seventh day of deliberations today. [TU] [CapNews9]
Christopher Cole will be Saratoga Springs' next police chief. He's a 20-year veteran of the force and the son of a Saratoga cop. Incoming public safety commissioner Richard Wirth, who had protested a chief being picked before the start of his term, appeared to be happy with the selection. Ed Moore, the current chief, announced his retirement in order to save the department money -- and perhaps layoffs -- though it's unclear how much money will actually be saved. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
RPI celebrated the the ten year tenure of president Shirley Ann Jackson this past weekend. In a speech Saturday, Jackson said the school had become "re-enrgerized, reinvigorated and refocused." And Aretha Franklin's performance at EMPAC Friday night was fantastic, apparently. [WNYT] [Troy Record] [Troy Record]
Rivers Cuomo -- of Weezer fame -- was apparently hurt when his tour bus rolled over on the Thruway near Amsterdam Sunday. The TU seems have gotten some indication that Cuomo was eventually taken to Albany Med. The bus apparently skidded after hitting some ice. [Fox23] [TU] [CapNews9]
Passing Fashion: Nicole's vintage transition
Who?
Nicole, an employee at Albany Medical Center Foundation.
Where?
Lark Street
Court halts mandatory flu shots for health workers, stabbing in Glenmont, small pumpkin crop, Paterson-Schwarzenegger friendship
A state Supreme Court judge has issued a temporary halt to the state-mandated flu shots for health care workers. A handful of lawsuits, including one filed by three Albany Med nurses, argue that state Department of Health overstepped its authority in requiring the vaccinations. The state health department says it's "confident that the regulation will be upheld." [NYT] [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [WTEN]
Neil Breslin and a group of other state senators are calling for Hiram Monserrate, recently convicted of misdemeanor assault, to quit -- or get kicked out of the Senate. Breslin said that Monserrate's exit is a necessary step toward the state Senate earning back the public's trust. [TU] [AP/Troy Record]
Shop owners and residents near Hackett Middle School in Albany say students have been causing a bunch of problems right after school as they walk through the neighborhood (map). [TU]
Investors with an Albany investment company currently under federal investigation say they raised red flags about the operation more than two years ago. [TU]
Great photos from LarkFest 2009
Company of Thieves' Genevieve Schatz
Excellent weather, interesting performers and a big crowd made for some great LarkFest photos. The pic above is by B -- there are bunch of others in his Flickr photoset.
There are two more great photos -- and some video -- by two other photographers, after the jump.
Larkfest 2009
A giant burrito with legs enjoys Larkfest.
We don't know if it was the weather or Moby or what, but it looked like there were more people than ever at Larkfest today. When we were there it you could barely move down the street. But no one seemed to mind much.
It was almost too crowded to get a good picture. Here are a few shots we got today. If you've got a few you want to share, pass them on.
LarkFest music warm up
One of the music stages at this year's LarkFest is hosting a lineup of bands from the local B3nson music collective. In anticipation of what's shaping up to be a fun day of music, the B3nson folks have released a free compilation of 17 songs.
There's a lot of good stuff in this package -- including tracks from Scientific Maps, Sgt Dunbar, We Are Jeneric, Matthew Loiacono, Beware! the Other Head of Science and a bunch of others. (Be sure to check out that new We Are Jeneric song.)
The compilation is available both as individual songs and a zip of of all the mp3s. Definitely worth the download.
The main stage lineup at LarkFest features Moby, Bell X1, Matt & Kim and Company of Thieves.
LarkFest is Saturday from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
Lark Fest 2009: Moby
His real name is Richard Melville Hall.
Moby (yep, that Moby) will be headlining the musical slate for LarkFest this year. Also on the bill: Bell X1, Matt & Kim and Company of Thieves.
There's also a great group of local bands lined for the second stage: Matthew Loiacono, We Are Jeneric, Scientific Maps, Barrons in the Attic, Beware! The Other Head of Science and Sgt. Dunbar & the Hobo Banned.
LarkFest is September 19.
photo: Moby
Overheard on Lark Street
Two women are walking along when one says to the other...
"I realized last night that every guy I have slept with has a masters degree or was working towards one.
So apparently I have an educational requirement I was unaware of..."
(Thanks, BP!)
photo: Flickr user CarbonNYC
Ask AOA: Parking in Center Square
A necessary Center Square parking accessory?
Tweeted @daveyrich yesterday: "@alloveralbany I just rented an apartment in center square. How bad is parking, really? Am I gonna need to sell my truck and get a car?"
We re-tweeted and a handful of people responded. Their thoughts -- and maybe yours -- after the jump.
Project Larkway
Winning designer Joleen Button and Lark Street's top model Sarah von Ouhl, wearing a Button designed bikini.
So this weekend at Art on Lark, AOA's too-fabulous Jess Pasko got her best Tim Gunn on and joined Kristi G, fashion designers Katie Pray and Gina Ulrich and Upstate Magazine's Christa Dijstelbergen to judge Project Larkway (think Project Runway for local designers and models).
This year's designers were Amy Orr , Jill Castle and Joleen Button. Button won.
Here's a little of the inside scoop from the judges on how it went down and more pictures from the runway.
Closing the book on Hodge Podge
The home of Hodge Podge books. At least until June 30th.
So when we heard the other day that Hodge Podge Books, the children's/young adult book shop on Lark Street was closing after 27 years, we thought "Ohhhh. It's like The Shop Around The Corner in that Meg Ryan movie. It's kind of sad."
And it is sad.
But just a little bit.
Spring Sandwich at Crisan
Because AOA can't survive on bagels alone.
Yeah, we know, nobody cares what we had for lunch. But this may be an exception to the rule.
Crisan (ahhh, yes, Crisan), home of the $1 gelato and some of our other favorite things, has started serving sandwiches, little mini quiches and other yummy stuff for lunch.
Last night we stopped by and heard about the newest sandwich, and today we were the first in line at lunchtime.
... said Kaitlin about Viva Kaitlin!