Saying goodbye to Small-bany A & E

   One of the common threads among most of the bands and artists I’ve interviewed is the moniker that is synonymous with the Capital City: Small-bany. A knock on both its scope of influence outside of the Capital Region and how everyone seems to know each other, often times the scene gets a terrible rap.

   As the cap, gown, commencement and future loom on the horizon, putting the Albany arts and entertainment scene in my rear view mirror is bittersweet. While far from perfect, those with a year or more left in Albany here have a lot to be excited about and much to discover.

   Alex Muro from the band Sgt. Dunbar phrased it perfectly when he said “There’s so much more music outside of Quail Street.”Quickly gaining credibility with Dunbar going to South by South West music festival, and other groups gaining notoriety, the scene is certainly progressing.

   What is both maddening and exciting about Albany is you often feel like a prospector during the Gold Rush. You have to really sift through what’s available to find the quality events and art, but when you do its hard not to feel a sense of accomplishment. Festivals like LarkFest in the fall and the upcoming TulipFest bring the city together and highlight its diversity and unity.

   Outside of the chain laden Wolf Road, there are enough quality restaurants in Albany to make you wish you weren’t dining on a college budget. Incredible restaurants like Hana Sushi on Western Avenue, El Loco Café on Madison Avenue and Sitar Indian Restaurant on Central highlight the cultural span that put Chilis, Applebees and Fridays to shame.

   Memorable and quirky shops don’t begin and end with the trio of bodegas in the student ghetto. An abundance of vibrant shops are scattered throughout the area, with a high concentration along Lark Street. Crisan bakery on Lark Street is owned by a Romanian couple that melds art and pastries and Chinatown on Central Avenue’s proprietor is a UAlbany alum.

   Events like 1st Friday, sponsored by the Upstate Artists Guild, highlight a do-it-yourself culture that adds to the Capital Region’s charm.

   Even the events a short walk from the quads are highly notable. Distinguished writers, poets, and thinkers come to the third floor science library to share their knowledge during New York State Writer’s Institute events. In this past year alone actress Rita Moreno and columnist Paul Krugman came to the almost weekly events that are a must-visit for any returning student.

   Accomplished blogs like All Over Albany and Table Hopping help make the weekly process far more manageable and really help you connect even further with your adopted hometown.

   College, outside of the parties and papers, is a period of self discovery that can only be experienced once. While far from a cultural Mecca, Albany has more than enough to offer to entertain if you’re just starting your life up here as a Freshman or looking to make up for lost time as a senior.