Tuesday, June 30, 2009

BelWo Inc. "Give a Web a Way" Contest:

Sometimes you see a business open up blowing smoke saying, "we want to give something back to the community." To see a company actually backing up those words in many cases, is a rare occurrence. BelWo Inc., a small but successful firm located in the incubator building on the RPI campus, is looking to make their offer claim true.
The team at BelWo believes that the key to building a business is by building relationships. For Belwo, it is particularly about building creative and innovative websites from which to develop and grow these relationships. With the economy as it stands now, their belief applies more than ever. BelWo understands that having a face on ones business impacts its ability to succeed. That is why BelWo has decided to pay it forward with a "Give a Web a Way" contest. The firm will be giving away a free, newly designed and customized website, plus a year of complimentary hosting and maintenance to the winner of the contest. Their hope is to give someones dream business, idea or charity a way to grow, and in return their idea will continue to pay forward.

Prospective contestants can submit their information online by visiting, www.belwo.com -- where you can view the complete rules, and receive additional information on the contest. Entries for the give a way should be submitted before August 15. The winner will be announced on Labor Day.




Thursday, June 25, 2009

Friday Night in Downtown Troy:

Two great events are taking place in downtown Troy on Friday night. The city's premier monthly event, Troy Night Out, will feature food, music, street performers, along with some of the most quaint shopping around. Troy comes alive the last Friday of every month with this revitalization effort, produced by the energetic Troy Downtown Business Collaborative.
Over the past two years, thousands of patrons have returned to the downtown area for this spectacular monthly event, which showcases some of the unique shopping that Troy has to offer.
With the sound of music surrounding the shopping district, our city's downtown brings back pleasant memories to longtime Trojans, and helps opens the eye's of out of towner's to all the good things that are now happening here.

After shopping, stop down to Revolution Hall for a Troy CD release party for the incredible, Foy Brothers Band. Rev Hall is a premier showcase stop for many bands on their way to the top of the music business. The party will offer patrons an opportunity to hear the group perform the entire new CD, titled, Time. Winners of the Memphis Blues Festival several years ago, the band will offer up their own style of Funk, Blues, and Soul.
Opening the show at 9 p.m. is a new local group called, 'Four.' Led by the phenomenal Alejandro Williams, this group will have patrons on their feet dancing in record time. Mr. Williams, as he is called during his day gig at Rensselaer Park Elementary , is one of the most dynamic performers in the Capital District who is returning to the stage after a brief hiatus from the business. Tickets can be purchased at the Rev Hall box office or on line in advance for $8 -- $10 at the door.

So just us this Friday, and come home to, 'Enjoy Troy! '

Friday, June 19, 2009

Valley Cats Baseball -- Yeah Baby!

If woman's professional roller derby isn't your thing, head on up to Joe Bruno Stadium for the start of another exciting season of Valley Cats baseball. 'The Joe' is probably the finest facility in the New York State Penn League, where you can actually take your family for a great time, without having to take out a loan to do so. With the ridiculous prices charged to get into the new Yankee Stadium, the Cat's are a great alternative, plus a shorter ride to see some fantastic baseball.
The team has also become a valued member of our community over the years, always reaching out to do more and more for Troy's youth. Assistant General Manager, Vic Christopher is a mass of raw energy, always promoting the team, and always helping out with neighborhood community events -- plus Vic does a mean Elvis. Minor League baseball is such a delight to watch, with the teams always doing more to keep all fans occupied and entertained -- all at family friendly prices.
Saturdays game against the Oneonta Tigers begins at 7 p.m. Gooooo Valley Cats!

River St Festival, The Hellions of Troy, and the Tri City Valley Cats on June 20th -- like I said, "What's not happening in Troy this weekend?" Enjoy Troy.

More To Do On A Saturday Night In Troy:

After the River St. Festival, make your way up to the 'Frear Park Thunderdome' for another exciting bout of roller derby, provided by the Hellions of Troy -- our city's entry in the women's professional roller derby league.
Just for the record, the Hellions have won their first two home bouts of the young season. Their style has been consistent with their team philosophy, playing lightning fast, brutal and aggressive. The women's sport has seen two enthusiastic crowds at both of their home games. The antics and athleticism of the team, along with some ,let's just say, very colorful members of the team, have been accepted and embraced by the Hellions growing fan base in Troy.

Doors open Saturday evening at 6 p.m., with the bout against the Long Island Roller Rebels beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door for adults, $3 for children under 12 yrs old. A portion of the proceeds of the bout will be donated to the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club. So come on out and join, the Beirut Bombshell, Flexi Wheeler and the the girls for all the fun, right here in your hometown, Troy.

FYI: The Hellions will be making a special appearance at Riverfest at 11 a.m.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

What's Not Happening In Troy This Weekend:

Troy will be rockin this Saturday (June 20) with the city's most popular yearly event taking place, River Street Festival. The annual celebration of music, food, arts and crafts runs from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Over the past five years, the festival has brought thousands upon thousands of people to our city, adding to Troy's growing reputation as one of the best special event towns in the entire Northeast.
This along with Troy Night Out, Troy Pig Out, Rockin on the River, Troy Chowder Fest, Collar City Live, and the Powers Park Concert Series, has been bringing patrons into the city like never before. The Troy Downtown Business Collaborative, led by the creative Elizabeth Young, has put their heart and soul into staging this yearly event. The City of Troy's Jeff Buell also does a great job in rounding this event into fighting form, with months of planning put into the festival. Unfortunately like all outdoor parties, you're basically at the mercy of the weather gods. I'll ask all Catholics reading this to please hang your rosary beads on the clothesline immediately for good luck!
Here's the musical lineup for both stages;
National Stage:
*11:45 - 12:30 / Alternate Routes
*12:50 - 1:50 / Rob Dickenson
*2:00 - 2:50 / Chris Barron (Former Lead Singer of the Spin Doctors)
*3:10 - 4:10 / Mike Doughty (Formerly of Soul Coughing)
*4:30 -6:00 / Cracker

Local Stage:
*12:00 - 12:40 / Simple Theory with Maurizio & Brittany Robichaud
*1:00 - 1:40 / Trouble
*2:00 - 2:30 / Julia Ilowieki
*2:45 - 3:30 / The Dirties
*3:50 - 4:30 / Chris Busone Band with special guest, Joe Mele & Tony Perrino
*5:00 - 5:45 / Imagining Lennon ( John Lennon Tribute)
(The first five acts on this stage are all from Troy)

For the kids, there's an entire area for them, complete with a video game area provided by Games2U. Children will be able to play their favorite Wii games, laser tag, and Guitar Hero free of charge. Magicians and sidewalk painting will also be featured for the children to enjoy.
Downtown will be brimming with over 100 juried arts and crafts vendors in a huge open marketplace. There is also no better opportunity to check out the wonderful shops of Troy featuring clothing, jewelry and antiques for excellent shopping and creative inspiration! The Art Center's Street Painting Competition is another annual River St. Festival tradition. If you've never been street painting before, it's time for you to try this new type of canvas. Transform Troy's streets into works of art and compete for $1,000 in cash prizes. Registrations are now being accepted -- spaces are extremely limited and cost $10 per person. Applications can be found by visiting www.artcenteronline.org
There will also be a demonstration at 11 a.m. by the Hellions of Troy, the city's professional roller derby team. I'll be doing a post on Friday regarding the teams next bout (Saturday night) at the Frear Park Thunderdome.

So come on down to downtown Troy for all the fun this Saturday. Additional info on the event can be found at www.troyny.gov

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Tonight in Troy:

This afternoon at 5 p.m. brings another addition of the popular, 'Rockin on the River' concert series. Last year was a pleasant surprise to the organizers of the event, in that people came in droves to Troy for the shows making it a hit with concert goers from around the Capital Region.
The series is produced and organized by Elizabeth Young and the Troy Downtown Business Collaborative, Jeff Buell of the City of Troy, Jared Kingsley of Revolution Hall, along with the events sponsors.

The production of these types of events brings a sudden boost in business around downtown, and for many longtime Trojans like myself, memories of when Troy was a destination for those in search of a vibrant nightlife. Last week, the Savoy Brown retro show literally, 'Rocked the River.' Look for more of the same this evening with local act Byrds of Prey opening for the incredible Daniela Cotton. Tonight's show kicks off at 5 p.m. Food and beverages are available on site, with river view seating available at both Ryan's Wake & Brown's Brewing Co. Jose Malone's is also on this vibrant stretch of River St. featuring Mexican fare, along with making killer Margarita's! If you can find the Green Island Bridge, you can't miss, Rockin on the River.

So join in with the fun tonight, and most of all, Enjoy Troy!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

At Powers Park Today:

Powers Park will come alive today with a combo platter of things to do. A giant flea market hosted by the Missing Link Street Ministry has already begun as I write. Rev. Willie Bacote, who does a wonderful job for the city's underprivileged youth, has been holding the markets at Powers for years. The flea markets offer a diverse selection of items to the public at reasonable prices. Last year, I purchased a beautiful patio umbrella that sells in stores for $40 and up, for under $20. There's all kind of great bargains, which during these tough economic times every family is looking for.

The North Lansingburgh Neighborhood Watch group will also host a children's safety program at the park, beginning at 1 p.m. Led by Jim Gordon, Len Kluz, Darlene Simpson, and former Troy police officer Chris Lambersten, this group has been accomplishing great things within the 'Burgh community since it's debut in 2007. The group will be collaborating with the Rensselaer County Sheriff's Dept., Troy PD, Troy Fire Dept, Whitney Young Health Center,and the City of Troy to provide bike safety helmets, photo Id's, and fingerprinting for children, along with other informational services which benefit our community's youth and families.
Jim Gordon and the group have put a great deal of time and effort into presenting this program and deserve kudo's for bringing this wonderful event to the community.

So come on up to Powers Park, located at 111 St. & 2nd Ave. for both the flea market and the children's safety program.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Something To Do On Saturday Night:

The Hellions of Troy are back at the Frear Park Thunderdome tomorrow evening. Doors open at 6 p.m., with Troy's entry facing Assault City, hailing from Syracuse N.Y. at 7 p.m.
If you missed their first match last month, make your way up to Frear to experience what more than 700 fans did last month -- fast paced excitement from your home town team. Tomorrows bout is billed, Spring Fling Her! Hellions fan favorite, Flexi Wheeler has told me that the girls plan to take it up a notch against the Syracuse skaters. Knowing Flexi, I have no reason not to believe her claim. Last month, fans were delighted with the Hellions spirited performance, and reveled in the fast paced fun of the revitalized sport. The diverse crowd cheered on our hometown girls to a rousing victory.

Food and drink (soft drinks & beer) are available at the Thunderdome, provided by the Park Pub. After tomorrows bout, an after party will be held at the pub, giving fans an opportunity to meet, and have a drink with the girls. If you've never experienced the roller derby, do yourself a favor and stop up to check out the intense action. Check out their website at, www.HELLIONSOFTROYROLLERDERBY.COM -- Or check out their MySpace page at, www.myspace.com/HELLIONSOFTROY

Tickets are $12 at the door, with admission for children set at $3.00. Their next bout at the Thunderdome is scheduled for June 20, with tickets available in advance ($10), available at both city hall (Deputy Mayors office), and the Frear Park Golf Pro Shop. You can also purchase tickets online at, www.BROWNPAPERTICKETS.com
With all that's happening in Troy this summer, there's plenty for families to do every weekend without braking the bank.
Join us tomorrow evening at 7 for some of the most fast paced excitement around, the Hellions of Troy. Enjoy Troy!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Troy Summer Entertainment Stimulus Package Begins:

After the God awful winter season we just experienced, I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some fun in the sun. And I can't think of a better way to do that then staying close to home and enjoying what promises to be one of the most exciting Troy musical seasons in recent memory.

Troy kicks off it's special events line up with the extremely popular, Rockin On The River concert series. Last years success was a pleasant surprise to the organizers , who were really caught off guard with the sudden popularity of the series. With thousands of people piling into Troy on a Wednesday afternoon, businesses around the city benefited. Being a lifelong Trojan, it brought back memories of when the city was hopping with entertainment and people shopping.



The Downtown Business Collaborative, led by the energetic Elizabeth Young, has spearheaded the organization of the event, with the bands being booked by the talented Jared Kingsley of Revolution Hall. The bars/restaurant's along this particular strip of River St. offer visitors to our city a diverse selection of food and spirits to enjoy. With spirits and festival foods available next to the stage, under the Green Island Bridge. Organizers of the event ask their patrons to drink responsibly, enjoy the beautiful river setting, and most of all, 'Enjoy Troy.'



Here's a look at the lineup:

*June 10 - Savoy Brown with Joe Lowry & the Second Mile Blues Band

*June 17 - Daniela Cotton with Birds of Prey

*June 24 -Rustic Overtones with Nautilus

*July 01 - Aquanett with the Blue Machine

*July 08 - HiBus with Lynch

*July 15 - Blues for Breakfast / Grateful Dead Tribute

*July 22 - Hair of the Dog with Kevin McKrell

*July 29 - Jamie McLean with 3-Four-3



Showtime is 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

http://www.visittroyny.com/