Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Hops and History: Albany's Brewing Tradition - 8/20

“Beer built the city of Albany.” That’s the case that Craig Gravina, historian, beer blogger, home brewer and craft beer aficionado, is trying to make.

Gravina will discuss Hops and History: Albany’s Brewing Tradition at a reception at the National Register-listed University Club of Albany, 141 Washington Avenue at Dove Street, on Tuesday, August 20 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

In addition to the presentation, the evening will feature a tasting of what Gravina calls “The Magnificent Seven” – the beers that shaped the New York beer scene – accompanied by light fare.

The cost for the reception and tasting is $20. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the University Club at 518-463-1151 or online.

The University Club will also unveil a new collection of archival prints in the Grille Room from the collection of the Albany Institute of History and Art. The works were selected to highlight local history, and include iconic travel posters from the New York Central Railroad, advertisements and broadsides from Albany’s famed breweries, and depictions of the city’s iconic architecture.

The Albany Institute museum shop offers a selection of fine-art prints in a variety of sizes. Each fine-art reproduction is printed using the highest quality archival inks. Each image is digitally reproduced and color balanced to match the original art. The fine-art reproductions offered in the museum shop represent some of the most popular paintings, prints, and maps from the Albany Institute’s extensive collections, and are priced according to size, with costs ranging from $44.95 to $79.95. Contact the museum shop directly for more information about cards, postcards,or additional size reproductions of AIHA's images, at 518-463-4478, ext. 459 or by email  .

Expert framing was completed by Brian Shea, proprietor of Alacrity Frame Workshop on Lark Street.

“The University Club has a deep connection to Albany’s beer-making tradition, as when moved to our present location in April, 1907, we purchased the home of brewer George Amsdell,”said Colleen Ryan, the Club’s president. “We are looking forward to celebrating the past, present and future of Albany, and showcasing the history that makes our city special.”

This event is presented by the University Club of Albany Foundation, Inc., formed to recognize and maintain the unique historic and architectural significance of the University Club building and property, its neighborhood and the city of Albany, where it has been located since its inception in 1901. One need not be a member of the University Club to attend. Support for educational programming presented by the University Club Foundation is provided by AT&T.

Monday, July 15, 2013

SPAMALOT! Park Playhouse Night 7/19




$30 table seating - it's very civilized! 

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary Season of Park Playhouse with this 2005 Broadway hit lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. SPAMALOT retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French taunters!

Meet at the U. Club at 5:30 for cash bar and light fare, depart the Club at 7:15 for exclusive cabaret seating with (cash) cocktail service at the Park Playhouse - the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Or, join us for a drink or dinner before the show and bring a blanket for free seating on the hill.

Please RSVP by calling the Club at 518-463-1151!

Here's a great review from the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Steve Barnes of the Times Union calls Spamalot "Riotous Fun!"