The latest episode of Troy Story: A Podcast for the Collar City, marks the 201st anniversary of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clark Moore.
The favorite holiday tale was first published in The Troy Sentinel on December 23, 1823 as a poem. It would later go on to shape modern conceptions of Santa Claus and many familiar holiday traditions.
The episode features guest Kathy Sheehan—Executive Director of the Hart Cluett Museum and historian for Troy and Rensselaer County—who explains the story behind the iconic “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and its place as American holiday lore, the more recent debate over authorship, and the poem’s more than two-century connection to the Collar City.
Troy Story: A Podcast for the Collar City is a monthly oral history podcast produced and hosted by John Salka—longtime Troy resident and former Communications Director for the city of Troy and advisor for two mayors.
Beloved Troy bar and live music venue Whiskey Pickle has just announced their reopening under new management after their closure this past September.
Known and loved for their uniquely intimate and laid-back atmosphere with an impressive menu and a lively dance scene to boot, Whiskey Pickle quickly became a favorite of many Troy locals after their opening in 2021. Widely appreciated for its warm and social atmosphere that drew folks from near and afar in, it’s no wonder why their sudden announcement of the venue’s immediate closure in late September took many by surprise.
Posted to the bar’s official social media accounts, the announcement signed by owners James and Erin explained that “The cost of making the Pickle into one of the most popular destinations in the capital region has been more than we can even describe… The Pickle would not have been anything as cool as it was without the people that sat on our unmatched bar stools and helped changed our lives.”
Folks from all walks of life paid their respects in the comments of these posts, a shared sentiment between individual testimonies and heartwarming stories being that Whiskey Pickle had rapidly become a Troy staple that would be a sore loss for the community at large.
September 27 seemed to mark the end of Whiskey Pickle for good… until a mysterious and seasonally appropriate image of a zombie hand emerging from the grave was posted to both the venue’s Instagram and Facebook accounts on October 31. Paired with the ominous yet exciting caption “Nothing stays dead forever…”, the announcement was met with widespread tentative excitement.
Then, on November 4, the official news broke– the Whiskey Pickle would be revived under new management, with a promise for the bar to return bigger and better than ever.
The announcement outlines the upcoming changes to the venue, which would act more as an update and expansion than a total reinvention of the space so many had come to know and love. This primarily comes with the news that the torch of management is to be passed to Jamel Mosely, fittingly described as “a staple of the capital region community.”
With an expansive resume of performance, multimedia production, and one of the minds behind Troy-based marketing firm Collectiveffort, it’s safe to say that the beloved drink, dance, and hangout venue is in good hands.
“He’s one of the most genuine human beings we know, and we know that the values we built this place around will continue to live on under Jamel’s team and leadership.”
The Whiskey Pickle Management
In true Pickle fashion, the Whiskey Pickle will re-open on November 7 with a Tiki Night party hosted by James, Erin, and Jamel with musical support form DJ Intell Hayesfield and other special guests. The Pickle will celebrate the local cornerstone’s triumphant return starting at 6:00 PM that night, with much more on future events and the venue’s formal transition to come.
To join in the celebration as a longtime fan or newcomer all the same, check out their party announcement above in addition to their official website here.
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has announced the return of the fan-favorite Lift Series in 2025. The new lineup includes various multi-talented individuals set to rock the audience.
Curated by Organ Colossal, these performances give you the unique opportunity to sit on the historic Music Hall stage with the artists while they perform. The Lift Concert Series presents performances of new, independent music featuring regional performers, curated by local artists Sam Torres and Sophia Subbayya Vastek. The series sees three shows, one in January, February and March. Similarly, the lineup consists of three powerful music groups that plan to dazzle those in attendance.
The audience is invited to be seated on stage, with the musicians, creating an intimate concert experience. Concerts are designed to last about an hour, and after the performance, concertgoers are encouraged to enjoy the rest of the evening at one of Troy’s many restaurants or breweries. Tickets are only $25 in advance and are available online and at the box office now.
Doom Dogs
2025 Lift Series Lineup
January 8
DOOM DOGS
Genre-free Improvising Super Group with Reeves Gabrels, Jonathan Kane and Jair-Rohm Parker Wells.
Reeves Gabrels (Guitars): Reeves Gabrels is an electric guitar virtuoso recognized by musicians and audiences alike for his expressive range and power. He is known for his creative collaborations with David Bowie during the ’80s and ’90s, co-writing, co-producing and adding his innovative guitar work to a half-dozen acclaimed studio albums in addition to extensive touring. Since 2012, Reeves has been a member of the iconic band The Cure, where his artistry continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With Reeves Gabrels on lead guitar for Doom Dogs, sonic brilliance is a hallmark of the band’s performances.
Jonathan Kane (Drums): Jonathan Kane, the heartbeat of Doom Dogs, was a founding member of the influential band The Swans, has worked extensively with Minimalist godfather La Monte Young, was the only drummer for Rhys Chatham’s orchestra of 100 electric guitars, and leads his own trance-blues band Jonathan Kane’s February. His drumming style is characterized by a powerful and hypnotic presence, driving the band’s improvisations with precision and intensity. Jonathan’s vast experience as a drummer and composer contributes to the band’s ability to create spontaneous and enthralling musical moments that leave audiences in awe.
Jair-Rohm Parker Wells (Basses): The foundation of Doom Dogs’ mesmerizing sound lies in the hands of Jair-Rohm Parker Wells, a true legend in the world of experimental rock and jazz. Aside from being a founding member of the avant-rock band Machine Gun, Jair-Rohm was also a member of the seminal German experimental Rock band Embryo during the 1970s. His NS Design electric upright and bass guitar prowess adds a rich and dynamic depth to the band’s spontaneous compositions, pushing the boundaries of experimental rock and jazz. Jair-Rohm’s artistic sensitivity and expertise make him an indispensable part of Doom Dogs’ sonic exploration.
February 5
ZAN AND THE WINTER FOLK
Zan & The Winter Folk is an Americana band from Troy, NY. Led by Zan Strumfeld, The Winter Folk create anthems for the revivalists, lullabies for the lonely, and ballads for the hopeful. Vacillating between an acoustic quartet — two guitars, banjo and upright bass — and a rocking quintet with drums, The Winter Folk blend an upbeat, rootsy spirit with a melodic longing and vulnerability in their storytelling. Since forming in 2017, they have played at festivals, music halls and living rooms. With a captivating sound and comedic banter, The Winter Folk reveal a unique and intimate performance wherever they play. The band has two EPs, “How To Be Alone” (2019) and “Your Girl No More” (2018). Their full-length album, “New Morse Code,” was released in June 2024.
March 5
THE LADLES
The Ladles are known for their signature harmonic blend, intricate arrangements and commitment to human connection. Imagine the tight, sisterly harmonies of The Staves meets Madison Cunningham’s songwriting ingenuity. At a Ladles show, you can’t help but feel part of something bigger. Swept up in their ethereal soundscapes, you can easily forget what separates you from the person next to you. Based in NYC and San Francisco, The Ladles are Katie Martucci, Caroline Kuhn, and Lucia Pontoniere.
Troy-Natives – Zan & The Winter Folk
For more information on Troy Savings Bank Music Hall’s popular Lift Series and to purchase tickets, click here.
On Oct. 16, at the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at RPI in Troy, a free and open-to-the-public performance and workshop of The Other Side of Silence will be presented. This new opera is created with synthetic and acoustic voices, written by and for people who use Alternative Assistive Communication.
The Other Side of Silence examines the intersection of art, advocacy, and technology in our lives, memories, and identities, and the role that art plays in promoting equity and agency of those who use alternative means of communication to speak to the world.
The story draws direct inspiration from the life of Mark Steidl, a gender non-binary person who uses an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to talk with the world. The cast also includes Opera Saratoga favorites Meghan Kasanders (The Consul, 2017) and Jennifer Zetlan (Ellen West), as well as newcomers Theo Hayes and Isaiah Musik-Ayala.
The story follows Zari, who was born unable to speak through traditional means. Zari finds comfort in the “Lichttanz” or the magical play of light and shadow through a window. To gain more autonomy, Zari seeks help from a new technology despite opposition from their closest friends and family.
A medical emergency prompts an intervention where it is discovered that without Zari’s express permission, an implant in Zari to help build communication between their brain and the technology. Zari fights back against this control and eventually disrupts the connection between the implant and Kim, though Zari’s memories have already been edited and manipulated. The one memory, however, that Kim is unable to alter, is that of the “Lichttanz”, representing the infinitude of human capacity and self-knowledge, their inner strength that withstands the intervention of artificial intelligence.
The Other Side of Silence performance is presented as part of the 2024 International Symposium On Assistive Technology For Music And Art (ISATMA).
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has announced the lineup for the next installment of the Music At Noon free concert series.
Originating in 1988, the Music at Noon concert series has brought music to the people of Troy every second Tuesday of the month from October through May. A free community event designed to present skilled musicians with a diverse mix of musical styles, folks of all ages are encouraged to attend the performances in addition to a special children’s workshop.
The main event will feature an opening performance by fortepianist Daniel Maltz on October 8, the Vermont based woodwind ensemble Heliand Quartet on November 12, the medieval, renaissance, and baroque music focused Bleecker Consort on December 10, a performance from pianist Michael Century on January 14, an enrapturing clarinet, hichiriki, cello, and piano show from Thomas Piercy, Marina Iwao, and Daniel Hass, and a concluding Irish traditional music and song performance from Toss the Feathers on March 11.
Opening the season is fortepianist Daniel Adam Maltz, who is offering an exciting educational interactive performance and deep dive into the world of Classical era Vienna and its music in the way iconic composers like Hadyn and Mozart intended for them to be heard.
Based in Vienna, Maltz studied Historical Performance at the Royal Academy of Music in London and at Vienna’s University for Music and Performing Arts- meaning this 90 minute experience will not be one to miss.
Additionally, prior to the Heliand Quartet’s performance on November 12, the group will engage in a hands-on exploratory musical experience that will be concluded with a petting zoo. Best for students grades one through four but open to all, the educational hour will begin with the musicians introducing the students to the sounds of chamber music, particularly with the piano, oboe and bassoon.
Students will be able to identify how the instruments work, sound, and fit into the ensemble dynamic. The workshop will conclude with students being able to experiment with the instruments themselves prior to the fan favorite petting zoo. Seating for this event will be limited- click here to register.
Music at Noon is completely free to attend with no registration needed. Folks are encouraged to bring their own lunch, and larger parties or teachers with buses should call ahead to reserve seats. In addition, there are a limited number of handicapped accessible spaces available.
For further details and information on other programs put on by the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, please visit their website here.
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has announced the appointment of Stacey Bridge to the position of Managing Director. Stacey’s contributions have been crucial to the growth of several projects presented by the Music Hall.
In her new expanded role, Stacey is directly responsible for day-to-day operations in addition to a significant role overseeing the Renaissance 150 expansion project. Stacey Bridge has held a wide range of roles, specializing in finance and operations and has over 25 years of valuable experience in the industry.
In addition to her role at Troy Music Hall, Stacey currently serves as a Board Member for the Hart Cluett Museum. She is also a member of the Lending Committee of the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region.
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has been a prestigious venue for arts and performance in the Capital Region since the late 19th century. Stacey Bridge has played an instrumental role in contributing to the music hall’s projects for the last decade. There is no better acquisition to the music hall than Stacey.
With the new appointment, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall looks to expand their prestige and reach even further. Stacey is surely one to contribute to this goal given her experience, capabilities, and prestige herself.
“We are preparing our organization for its next phase with the arrival of project Renaissance 150 and the opening of the Capital Region Music Hub. As a part of this preparation, Stacey Bridge has been appointed Managing Director of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Corporation. Stacey’s contributions have been instrumental in our organization’s growth journey and will continue to be crucial as we move ahead.”
Jon Elbaum, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Executive Director
For more information on Troy Music Hall such as upcoming events, click here.
A new 2-track single from Troy’s Adequate Phil, “9ine Beers D33p,” was released on Aug. 18. This single features two guest artists which blends the bands spacey, psychedelic sounds with their smooth, lyrical flows.
Adequate Phil is a band from Troy who define themselves as a psychedelic freak-folk group. The band consists of Arunesh Ghosh and Andrew Golden while featuring on this track, Kevin Burns, Matthew Johnson, and Matt Malone.
Adequate Phil are heavily influenced by classic psychedelic acts like Animal Collective, The Beatles, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Radiohead. This new track manages to blend in elements of hip-hop production. This gives their sound interesting parallels with acts such as Gorillaz or Danger Mouse, while still providing interesting and new ideas.
For their latest single “9ine Beers D33p” released on Aug. 18, the band has teamed up with two MCs in Troy, Big Lettuce and Yung Alfredo. This is a project that manages to produce a sound with the feeling of 8-bit stoned stargazing. Adequate Phil says, “It’s been a blast working on this, and we think it’s some of our best stuff yet.”
Learn more about Adequate Phil by checking out their website here.
Troy-based indie rock band The Belle Curves release their new album titled Subject to Change which blends Americana and rock.
The Belle Curves is the primary creative vehicle for Troy-based songwriter Delaney Hafener. The group focuses on an indie sound but with a folky, americana twist. Their latest record Subject to Change displays a variety of the group’s sounds and abilities.
The opening track “Hand Rolled” is a soft rock tune with a classic sound, but still maintaining their roots with modern indie themes. The next track “Life in the Hinterlands” bolts out of the gate with a roadtrippin’ americana feel. It certainly has a country twang and still holds the indie sound close. Delaney’s voice is dynamic, with high highs and low lows. Her abilities speak for themself throughout this album. The track “Sister” really showcases the power in the softness of Delaney’s vocals.
The track “The Process” in particular caught my attention quite soon during the first play. The track progresses wonderfully from lowkey to fierce and powerful. It then concludes in such an angelic and completing way with the vocals and instruments coming to a head followed by a fade out.
For more information on The Belle Curves and their upcoming album Subject to Change visit their Bandcamp by clicking here.
In June 2024, Troy’s sixth annual Nighthawks Block Party was abruptly canceled. The event, which had become a yearly staple of music and charity, cited growing disagreements with the city’s mayor Carmella Mantello. This begs the question of what exactly happened to the event?
For six years, Troy-based restaurant Nighthawks has hosted an annual block party fundraiser. This event plays into the restaurant’s mission to “feed our friends and community with the best quality ingredients and love.” On top of food and drinks, the block parties featured special performances from local bands and artists. Most importantly, however, was Nighthawks’ dedication to serving the community.
Each year’s block party raised funds for a different local charity, tackling different issues facing Troy. In 2021, Nighthawks partnered with Unity House to fight growing gun violence throughout the Capital Region. The event featured performances from Coal Palace Kings, Brule County Bad Boys, the Wand-ers, and DJ Mercy, and anti-gun violence speakers.
With the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Nighthawks turned its focus towards reproductive rights. They partnered with Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood to raise awareness of their services. On top of informational sessions and refreshments, the event featured performances from the Brule County Bad Boys and The Men Who Loved Music.
Brule County Bad Boys
2024 was supposed to mark Nighthawks’ sixth year serving the Troy community. For the block party, Nighthawks had partnered with Joseph’s House. The Joseph’s House nonprofit seeks to provide non-judgmental services to unhoused people across the Capital Region, with outreach, shelter, and emergency support services. The event also planned to feature performances from Brule County Bad Boys and The Men Who Loved Music, with guests, Barbie Barker, Slik Nik, and Big Unity Band.
However, just before the event was supposed to be held on June 22nd, Nighthawks’ owners announced its cancellation. Nighthawks’ co-owner Josh Coletto cited policy from the mayor’s office as the sole reason for the event’s cancellation. At the center of the dispute is Troy’s newly-elected Republican mayor Carmella Mantello. Coletto cites greatly increased fees from the mayor’s office as the prime cause for the event’s closure.
Whereas for past block parties total permit fees amounted to $45, the new administration charged the restaurant nearly $1,500 for 2024. Alongside the increased fees, the mayor’s office also required an additional police presence for the event, amounting to an additional $750. This had not been an issue in the past, with community volunteers helping to control crowds each year. The city has defended its decision to charge what they deem reasonable for events like this.
These new costs come alongside increased rhetoric against live music events from Mayor Mantello’s office.
During her 2023 campaign, Mantello ran on quality of life issues for Troy. However, these issues have included an assault against the city’s live music venues. During the mayoral debates, Mantello cited outdoor music at Slidin’ Dirty’s as problematic for the city’s residents, insinuating noise complaints from live music were driving residents from the area. As mayor, she has implemented increased restrictions on live music.
The October 2023 mayoral debate between Republican Carmella Mantello and Democrat Nina Nicholas
For instance, the mayor’s office has altered zoning ordinances, changing the endtime for live music from 11 to 9pm. This stark change not only starves Troy’s residents of local arts, but also threatens small businesses that depend on earnings from live music events. Locals have begun to speak out against this new policy, with a July 22nd Downtown Troy Neighborhood Group meeting discussing the issue. The discussion came to the conclusion that the current policy is deeply flawed, with a more equitable process needed to ensure both neighborly respect and economic growth. No representatives from Mantello’s office attended the meeting.
In reference to the Nighthawk’s block party, Mayor Mantello has cited this ordinance as the reason for the dispute. She said “What we have said is it’s 9:00pm. It’s a good time to start wrapping it up. And the permit is obviously at the discretion of the city.” This issue of noise ordinances seems to be what the mayor’s office is sticking to, ignoring concerns of increased permit fees. Mantello said, “We can’t pull Nighthawks out and say ‘We will waive these fees. We’ll not have our police officers at the event’ because it is across-the-board.”
Referring to this cancellation, Mantello stated to News10, “We are trying to create a thriving energetic city of Troy.”
This begs the question: how does canceling one of the most anticipated music and charity events help energize the city?
Troy residents have taken to online forums to express their anger with this decision. On the r/Troy subreddit, user Dadvito3hunna wrote “I’m legitimately bummed about this one. My girlfriend and I love going to this event and supporting its cause.” User kettleofhawks added “This is absolutely absurd – this event is what makes Troy special, brings everyone together and supports a good cause. Adding a $750 fee for police protection that no one wants or needs is extortion, especially for a charity event.”
The 2024 Nighthawks block party expected crowds of over 500. However, as a charity fundraising event, they cannot shoulder the new permit fees.
Now, with the party’s cancellation, Joseph’s House will not receive any of the expected donations from the fundraising event. Despite this, Nighthawks is still looking into other future fundraising options alongside Joseph’s House. This event’s cancellation raises concerns for the future of live music events in Troy, and whether they will be able to shoulder the burden of Mantello’s new restrictions.
This July, the city of Troy hosts two separate concert series and a special live event at Powers and Riverfront Park.
“Rockin’ on the River,” which began on June 26, will last through to August 7, with concerts every other week on Wednesday.
The Powers Park series begins on July 13 and will last until August 24, with concerts happening weekly on Saturdays. The Uncle Sam Jam at Powers Park will be a special live event at Powers Park on July 27.
Similarly, each concert series features a wide range of local and regional musicians and fun free for the whole family.
Presented by the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District, “Rockin’ on the River” is a free concert series hosted at Riverfront Park in downtown Troy. Rockin’ on the River includes four nights of rock ‘n ‘ roll, roots, and blues music alongside local food and drink vendors. The concerts are held weekly on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm, featuring two artists each night, with the exception of the performance scheduled for July 10. Fans can enjoy the display of food, drinks, and music for free, with no tickets necessary.
Below is the weekly lineup for Rockin’ on the River, and for more information, visit their website linked here. Due to severe weather and thunderstorms, the Rockin’ on the River concert on July 10 has been postponed for one week. Fans can still catch Hot Cousin, the Chris Busone Band, and The Albany Rock Pit Showcase Band on July 17 at 5:30 pm.
Rockin’ on the River Series Lineup
June 26: Skeeter Creek with Road Soda Pop
July 17 (postponed from 7/10): Hot Cousin with The Chris Butone Band and the Albany Rock Pit Showcase Band
July 24: Blues for Breakfast with Side B
August 7: Crash My Party (The Ultimate Luke Bryan Tribute Band) with Joe Adee & The Lug Nuts
Sponsored by local businesses, the Powers Park series has served the concertgoers and the community for over twenty years. Since 2004, crowds have returned every Saturday evening to see the best in local entertainment on the Neil Kelleher Stage. Over the last two decades, the Powers Park series has become one of the city’s most anticipated events, bringing free music, food, and entertainment to the citizens of Troy. The park is located at 110th Street and Second Avenue in North Troy. Moreover, the full lineup of the series is below. Concerts are every Saturday, starting July 13 until August 24.
Powers Park Series Lineup
July 13: Brian Kane and The Beginning
July 20: Super 400
August 3: Triffid
August 10: Grit and Whiskey
August 17: Matt Mirabile Band
August 24: E-Block
Finally, the Uncle Sam Jam is a one-time event at Powers Park. In collaboration with the Combat Vets Association, the Uncle Sam Jam is a celebration of veterans and those who have served in combat. The concert is chock full of free food and music from local vendors. Join the Joe Mele Project and the Pat Travers Band for a night of rock and roll, free for the entire family.
