Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Warm up during the Holiday House Tour!


The University Club invites one and all to explore the warm and gracious surroundings of this historic Clubhouse, decked out in its holiday finery!

Cookies and bar service will be available from noon to 4:00 p.m. -- an adult hot chocolate (with a shot of Bailey's) will help to take the edge off the brisk weather!

Located just across Dove Street from the Albany Institute (the location for ticket pick-up), the Club is one of the four component buildings of one of Albany's most architecturally compatible and imposing intersections.

The red brick building in the Colonial Revival style was the last major commission of prolific Albany architect Albert Fuller, and was built in 1924-25. The main entrance to the Club, on Dove Street, features an entry porch with 4 sets of paired columns surmounted by an architrave, a cornice, and a decorative iron balustrade. The main interior spaces on the first floor are large, formal and elegant, and largely unchanged from the date of construction. Don't miss the collection of Walter Launt Palmer landscapes of American and Italian scenes in the main dining room.

While you warm your hands and lift your spirits downstairs in the Grille Room, be sure to pick up an invitation to the New Year's Eve Gala benefiting the University Club Foundation. This 501c3 organization was established in 2009 to protect and promote the historic Clubhouse, the surrounding neighborhood, and the City of Albany where the Club has been located since its founding in 1901.

In fact, the Foundation recently engaged a consultant to prepare a nomination to list the Clubhouse on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, which is on track to be considered by the State Board at their March, 2011 meeting. Just last month, State Historic Preservation Office staff confirmed that the Club was individually eligible for this designation.

Additional information about the long tradition of the Club, membership opportunities, and historic photos will be on display during the tour. We hope to see you on Saturday, December 11!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Sing Along with Little Otto - 1st Friday 12/3


Slick Nick and the Bad Santa Band will perform your holiday favorites, including: Chuck Berry - Run Run Rudolph • Jimmy Buffet - Merry Christmas Alabama • Eagles - Please Come Home for Christmas • José Feliciano - Feliz Navidad • Dobie Gray - Decorate the Night • Kingston Trio - Go Where I Send Thee • Greg Lake - I Believe in Father Christmas • John Lennon - War is Over • George Michael - Last Christmas • Peter, Paul & Mary - We Wish You a Merry Christmas • Royal Guardsmen - Christmas Bells and much much more!

On the first Friday of each month, as part of the University Club’s celebration of 1st Friday, one need not be a member to enjoy live music, dinner and dancing in the Grille Room, dress is casual, and cash and major credit cards are accepted.

The performance is free and dinner will be served until 9:00 p.m., call 518-463-1151 for reservations.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

1st Friday - TN3 CD Release Party for "Here"

The Todd Nelson Trio (TN3) returns to the University Club, 141 Washington Avenue (at Dove Street) on Friday, November 5 from 8-10 p.m.

The band will have copies of their new CD, titled “HERE” available for $10.

According to a review by Mike Hotter in Metroland (9/16/10) “Todd Nelson is a preternaturally tasteful guitar player … the album is enjoyable from start to finish … his guitar lines hew mindfully to the emotional intent of... each composition…” The recording is “custom built for fans of instrumental rock and jazz” and “unpretentious enough … to please even those who don’t consider themselves aficionados.”

Greg Haymes, in a review on Nippertown.com (9/27/10), called HERE a “stellar break-out recording that is worth the wait …Nelson’s guitar sound is clean and crisp, but always warm, bringing to mind Bill Frisell…Despite his lengthy musical career, Nelson’s recorded output has been all too sparse. This album goes a long, long way in remedying that situation.”

On the first Friday of each month, as part of the University Club’s celebration of 1st Friday, one need not be a member to enjoy live music, dinner and dancing in the Grille Room, dress is casual, and cash and major credit cards are accepted. Drink specials will include the HERE Kir, a signature cocktail created for this event.

The performance is free and dinner will be served until 9:00 p.m., call 518-463-1151 for reservations. As Todd says, “the Club is a nice place to hang.”

Monday, October 25, 2010

FREE TRIAL Membership - through 12/31/10!

U Club Application - FREE


The University Club is a wonderful resource for the people of Albany and the Capital Region:
  • a handsome historic building which is a significant anchor on one of our busiest thoroughfares;
  • a place where one can have lunch with a colleague, or host a meeting for a small or large group in an elegant, professional atmosphere; and
  • an extension of our homes – whether we want to get together with friends for drinks, host an intimate dinner or a fun party, or put up out-of-town guests for the evening.

We’re certain that you’ll love our Club as we do. In fact, we’re so sure, we want to offer you a free trial membership through the end of 2010. No charge, no strings, no gimmicks!

This offer is available to anyone who is not currently a member of the University Club, and we ask that you provide your credit card number for billing of any fees incurred for meals, drinks, or room rentals.

To become a member, simply fill out and drop off or mail in a copy of the application form. During this free trial period, we are waiving the requirement that candidates have two sponsors and meet a representative of the Membership Committee prior to consideration by the Board of Directors – we are also waiving the entrance fee. The sooner you sign up, the sooner you can begin enjoying benefits of membership!

All over the country, private clubs are closing because of dwindling attendance. The average age of club members is climbing, and younger people are not joining as their parents once did. Today, the University Club needs careful stewardship to endure, and to maintain its dignity, history and uniqueness.

The club is membership-owned and is governed by four elected officers and a board of directors. Membership is open to men and women who have graduated from, or attended, a recognized university or college. A limited number of memberships are available for those who have not attended college.

We hope you’ll take advantage of this limited time offer, and join the University Club of Albany!


PS: Did you know that the University Club has reciprocal agreements with some 125 other clubs around the country, including the Penn Club in New York City and the University Club of Boston? You can visit the University Club online at http://www.universityclubalbany.com/ for more information.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Community Connections III - Thu. Oct. 14

Help celebrate volunteerism, promote not-for-profit organizations in Albany!

The public is invited to attend a reception celebrating Albany’s educational, charitable and social organizations on Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Community Connections III will take place at the University Club, 141 Washington Avenue at Dove Street. The University Club of Albany Foundation, Inc. is hosting this event, dress is casual and one need not be a member to attend.

The reception is free and open to the public, and will feature information from many of Albany’s not-for-profit institutions and City representatives, including: Albany Damien Center; Albany Institute of History & Art; Albany Roundtable; the quarterly publication Capital Neighbors; Center Square Association; Common Council Member Richard Conti; eba, Inc.; Equinox; Friends of the Albany Public Library; Girls Inc.; Historic Albany Foundation; Hudson/Park Neighborhood Association; Mansion Neighborhood Association; Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany; Senior Services of Albany; The Stakeholders; the Albany Field Office of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI Albany), and the Washington Park Conservancy. Representatives will be on hand to let participants know how they can join or support these important organizations.

Raffles, prizes, and hot and cold appetizers will round out the evening. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available.

“The Albany Institute is honored to be a part of Community Connections III,” said Steve Ricci, the Institute’s Director of Public Relations and Marketing. “There are so many outstanding nonprofits working to enrich our community. Community Connections is an opportunity for them to meet the public, and each other, so we can all learn more about we do and lend support to those efforts.”

The first Community Connections was organized in November 2009, and additional events have been scheduled by popular demand.

“Community Connections was envisioned as a membership-building event, something that not-for-profit groups could use to attract new supporters,” said Colleen Ryan, one of the event’s organizers. “But it’s also a ‘one-stop-shopping’ opportunity for potential supporters and volunteers to check out the wonderful cultural, social, and human service-oriented not-for-profits in Albany. We hope to see many familiar as well as new faces at Community Connections III on Thursday, October 14.”

Friday, October 1, 2010

Sip, Savor & Support


Please join the University Club Foundation for an evening of food, art and fine wine on Friday, October 8th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Your $25 tax-deductible donation entitles you to:



  • A taste of 6 hand-crafted wines presented by Capital Wine and the Hudson-Chatham Winery (see wine descriptions below)

  • Elegant hors d’oeuvres

  • Silent and live auctions for fine wine and art


Ticketed guests are also invited to stay for the University Club's signature "Prime Rib & More Buffet" which features: soup du jour, mixed green salad, succulent Roast Prime Rib, Baked Salmon, Chicken Teriyaki, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Vegetables, Triple Chocolate Cake and Fresh Fruit. $25 per person plus tax and service charge - buffet will be served from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Reservations are necessary -- please call 518-463-1151. Cash and credit cards accepted for non-members.

Featured Wines from Hudson-Chatham Winery:

Reisling
A dry Riesling made from Finger Lakes grapes that has that refreshing characteristic snap of a delicious, refreshing Riesling. A perfect accompaniment to everything from a variety of cheeses to fruits, poultry, fish, and salads.

Lindenwald White
Packaged in a distinctive blue bottle and named for President Martin Van Buren’s home in Kinderhook, this is one of Hudson-Chatham Winery’s most popular wines. It’s a blend of Diamond and Niagara grapes, and smells and tastes like a juicy Concord grape, reminiscent of those found on wild vines. It’s sweet yet light – a great sipping wine with spicy food or dessert.

Ghent Blush
This sweet rosé is a wine made from red grapes whose skins were removed after fermentation began. The fermentation is stopped before the wine goes dry, providing a sweeter taste. Blush wines are created in every wine producing country and despite being less serious than other types of wine, have become popular.

Pomme Bullé
French for “Apple Bubble,” this hard cider is produced from the juice of Northern Spy apples. Like ordinary apple cider, Pomme Bullé tastes autumnal but is much less sweet. It compliments fall foods — stews with root vegetables — and seasonal desserts, especially apple pie. It also is an ideal foil for your savory-with-a-touch-of-sweet Thanksgiving menu.

2008 Cabernet Franc
A medium-bodied dry red made with grapes grown on the North Fork of Long Island, our Cab is smooth and tasty – a great all-purpose red for those who want some fruit but like their red dry. The Hudson-Chatham Winery Cabernet Franc rated 84 in Wine Enthusiast magazine.

Empire Red
Empire Red is 33% Cab Franc from the Finger Lakes, 33% Merlot from the North Fork of Long Island, and 33% Baco Noir from the Hudson Valley. The wines are made individually, and then the best lots are selected for this important portfolio wine. Blended after one year’s time, the wine is separated into three lots and separately aged in French oak, American oak, and stainless steel barrels. The wine is then bottle-aged six months, resulting in a complex and mature wine of incredible depth.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Julia Donnaruma - After 1st Friday - 10/1/10

Julia Donnaruma returns to the University Club on Friday, October 1st from 8-10 p.m., and you won’t want to miss her performance in the warm and inviting atmosphere of the Grille Room.

In an interview on Nippertownreview.com, Michael Bisio noted “Julia’s phrasing embodies the best of the past, present, and future. I hear Ms. Holiday, Washington, Jones, Barber, Wilson and always Julia Donnaruma.”

Make an evening of it. Stop by for dinner (5-9 pm) and stay for the music (8-10 pm). Reservations please - call 518-463-1151.

The performance is free and dinner will be served at the University Club until 9:00 p.m., call 518-463-1151 for reservations.

On the first Friday of each month,as part of the University Club’s celebration of 1st Friday, one need not be a member to enjoy live music, dinner and dancing in the Grille Room, dress is casual, and cash and major credit cards are accepted.

Psst ... Hey You ...

Tuesday, September 21 is Speakeasy Night at the U. Club!


Are you looking for a place to wet your whistle after work? There's a swell place right nearby that has plenty of giggle juice and great chow. It's got a bowling alley, pool tables too! And it's a real class joint, white linen and everything!

You just gotta know somebody to get into the place ... So call 518-463-1151 to get your name on the list, and TELL'EM JACK SENT YA!

Our special guest, Assemblymember John J. McEneny, will give a brief presentation on breweries and Prohibition in Albany at 7:00 p.m.

This event is sponsored by the University Club Foundation -- the public is welcome! Cash and credit cards will be accepted!

Download the full-sized flyer here ...

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Celebrate the 4th Anniversary of 1st Friday!


On Friday, September 3, The University Club Foundation and Albany Institute are teaming up to co-present "Halfway to St. Patrick's Day with Jeff Strange" as part of Albany’s 1st Friday celebration of arts and culture.


A founding member of internationally known Irish folk band Donnybrook Fair, and longtime member of The Newports, Jeff is known for his on-stage patter and energetic performances incorporating a broad selection of Irish, rock and original music.


Jeff will play three sets: from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Albany Institute, and from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. at the University Club. The performance is free and dinner will be served at the University Club until 9:00 p.m., call 518-463-1151 for reservations.


On the first Friday of each month, the Albany Institute remains open until 8:00 p.m. and admission to their galleries is free as part of the downtown arts walk that showcases the thriving and lively art scene in downtown Albany.


Likewise, as part of the University Club’s celebration of 1st Friday, one need not be a member to enjoy live music, dinner and dancing in the Grille Room, dress is casual, and cash and major credit cards are accepted.See More

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Fun & Games at the U. Club - Monday 8/16

Drinks, dinner, fun AND games, all conveniently located at the corner of Washington and Dove!



  • Casual dining in the Grille Room with a full menu being served. Dinner will be available from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

  • Choose a board game and challenge your fellow diners, or test your skills on the Wii system set up on the 60" TV!

  • After some Wii bowling, head over to the newly resurfaced lanes and think about signing up for fall leagues - members or mixers!
  • Don't forget - two pool tables upstairs!

Bring the whole family -- but please call the front desk at 518-463-1151 to let them know you'll be there!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Golf Outing 8/31 - RSVP by 8/13!

The 42nd Annual University Club Golf Outing is Tuesday, August 31!

Country Club of Troy
Cocktails and dinner at University Club $150 per person / $55 for dinner only.

Click here to download sign-up or sponsorship forms.

Enjoy a day of fun, friendly competition and great food and drink. Everybody gets a prize- no matter how bad your game! Shotgun start at 9:45 a.m., scramble format. Come early to warm up on the driving range.

Cocktails are at the University Club at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner. Prizes will be awarded throughout the evening. This event is open to all members and their family, friends and business associates, so get your group together and make a reservation.

Proceeds benefit the University Club Foundation, which was formed to recognize and maintain the unique historic and architectural significance of the University Club building and property, its historic neighborhood and the city of Albany, New York where it has been located since its inception in 1901.

Whether you’re a foursome, threesome, twosome or alone -- we want you to join this special Outing! Sponsorship opportunities also available, call Ellen at 518-463-1151.

Old Albany Buffet - 8/10


Our Trolley Tour of Albany Rural Cemetery is sold out, but we invite you to join us for a feast a Patroon would love!

In keeping with the historic theme of the day, the University Club will be featuring an Old Albany Buffet on Tuesday, August 10th from 6:30-8 PM. Whether or not you're going on the Trolley Tour, stop by for a special dinner menu dinner featuring traditional Old World Dutch fare: Savory Pumpkin Pancakes, Red Cabbage with Apples, Bief Stuk (premium cuts of beef with a variety of sausage and potatoes), Kibbeling (deep fried nugget sized cod), Asparagus and Witloof (chicory) served with ham & cheese and for dessert Stewed Pears and Almond Pastry. $23.95 per person (beverages additional). Reservations please -- call 518-463-1151!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Yuko Kishimoto - Flyer

Yuko Kishimoto Flyer

Dinner Menu

So, you've been wondering what's on the menu at the University Club? Specials change from week to week, but this will give you an idea of the delicious fare coming out of the kitchen ... Don't see what you want? Just ask!

One Page Dinner Menu[1]

Luncheon Menu

One Page Lunch Menu[1]

Parents' Night Out with Jeff Strange - 7/12

Monday, July 12
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Regular Dinner Menu Available

Crafts and games in the Terrace Room were such a hit at the Holiday party, we're bringing the babysitters back! And while the young ones play upstairs, the grown-ups will enjoy the music of Jeff Strange in the Grille Room. Jeff's engaging blend of oldies, contemporary pop -- and the occasional Irish sing-along -- has been a big draw on 1st Friday. This is your chance to see him on a weeknight -- and enjoy your food while it's still hot! $5 per person contribution for music, $5 per child for on-site supervision. Please let us know when you RSVP at 518-463-1151 whether the children will eat before they come over, or whether you would like to order from the kids menu.

Rack'em and Roll'em - 7/6

Tuesday, July 6
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Regular Dinner Menu Available

Thanks to generous support of the Foundation's "Dollars for Bowling" campaign, the Club's bowling lanes will be resurfaced during the summer break. Before they close, you're invited to stop in and roll a ball or two, and meet with U. Club League members Tim Varney and Bob Serenka to learn about new leagues being established for the fall. Pick up a cue stick and try your skills on the fabulous 9-foot billiard tables upstairs -- members Tom "The Shark" Clark and Steph "Rack'em" Richardson will be on hand to help you hone your game.

Enchanted Evening with Yuko Kishimoto - 7/2

Make plans to join us for a very special 1st Friday on July 2, as The University Club Foundation presents Yuko Kishimoto.

A native of Japan, Yuko Kishimoto is a clasically trained pianist with experience in jazz, pop, French cabaret, and Broadway musicals. She earned a master's degree in piano pedagogy and a bachelor's degree in piano performance from Michigan State University. She will perform from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. at the University Club.

As part of the University Club's celebration of 1st Friday, you need not be a member to enjoy live music, dinner and dancing in the Grille Room, dress is casual, and cash and major credit cards are accepted. Call 518-463-1151 for dinner reservations!

Yuko performs as a soloist, accompanist, and band leader of her own combo (trio and quartet), appearing frequently at local venues such as Justin's, Midtown Tap & Tea Room, 74 State and others. We hope you'll join us at the University Club to kick off your Capital 4th of July weekend in style!