For Immediate Release

Contact: Joe Glick (518) 857-5186

NEW 3-LEVEL NIGHT CLUB OPENS IN DOWNTOWN TROY

Kokopellis Open House April 27 During Troy Night Out

TROY, NY (04/25/12) – This Friday during Troy Night Out, the city’s newest hotspot is hosting an Open House for guests to explore each of the three levels of Kokopellis nightclub at 124 Fourth St.

“My hope is to make this a destination nightclub,” said Joe Glick, 34, co-owner of Kokopellis, a the three-level club building near the corner of Congress and Fourth St. “Our goal at Kokopellis is to provide everything that the patrons want to keep them here: music, TV, food, drinks, sports, dancing and a high-end lounge.”

Glick and his father, Barry Glick, purchased the building in August for $325,000. After lawyer fees, taxes and renovations, Glick says they invested a total of $500,000 in the property, which was formerly known as the Troy City Tavern.

Each level of the building has a maximum capacity of 99 people. The first-level features a comfortable sports bar lounge with exposed brick and hardwood floors. Catering is supplied by I Love New York Pizza and The Brown Bag. The second-level dance club features a polished floor, a high-end sound system, a newly upgraded DJ booth and, according to Glick, the hottest intelligent laser light show in the Capital Region. The third level is a high-end lounge, with a granite bar and comfortable couches.

“All of the renovations we made were to make the space more inviting,” Glick said, joking that that the third-floor previously looked like a bad scene from a 1970′s disco before renovating.

A native of Niskayuna, Glick is also well-known as “DJ Joey G,” who began his career as an entertainer working at Starbursts roller skating rink in Clifton Park. He continued to DJ while studying at SUNY Oswego, working for a large entertainment business in Syracuse. Afterwards, he returned to the Capital Region to launch his own mobile DJ business, DJ Joey G Entertainment, which now manages the musical entertainment for Kokopellis nightclub.

Glick said he first became interested in Troy and its potential while DJ’ing for the popular but short-lived Meka’s lounge in the River Street Entertainment District.

“I never really paid too much attention to Troy before I started DJ’ing at Meka’s and I saw what potential the place has. We had 600 people show up there in the middle of a snow storm,” Glick said. “I’m hoping with the right marketing and word of mouth we can recapture that scene at Kokopellis.”

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE

Kokopellis serves those who serve. All armed forces, police, fire, medical and emergency personnel receive an automatic 10 percent off their entire bar bill with a valid identification card. Hospitality employees receive $1.50 off drinks every night after 11 p.m.

THE NAME KOKOPELLIS

Kokopelli is a southwestern native American god of fertility, usually depicted playing a flute, who is known to bring joy through music and dance. The deity appears in murals and on embroidered stools throughout the club, which has a subtle southwestern flavor in its decor, color scheme and drink menu featuring spicy martinis.

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 27
Troy Night Out
Open House
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Age 21+

April 27
Lights Out After Troy Night Out
Dance Party Featuring DJ Demand
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Ages 21+

May 8
Zero-Alcohol Dance Party
7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Age 18 +

May 9
End of Semester Dance Party
DJ Joey G Entertainment
9 p.m. till 2 a.m.
Age 21+

ONGOING EVENTS

Ladies Night & Kokopellis Karaoke
Every Wednesday Night
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Kokopellis Karaoke
Every Sunday Night
8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

FOR PUBLICITY IMAGES, visit: http://duncancrary.com/clients/kokopellis.html

For information, visit: http://www.kokopellisclub.com or call 518-326-3024

Contact: Joe Glick (518) 857-5186

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For Immediate Release

Contact Lynn Kopka 518-274-6434

TROY CITY-WIDE TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN PROGRAM FOR FERAL CATS

Troy Felines to Undergo Humane Surgery with “Operation Snip”

TROY, N.Y. (March 21, 2012) – One hundred fifty of Troy’s feral felines will no longer be “catting around” after graduating from Operation Snip – the City’s first TNR program.

TNR is trap-neuter-return of outdoor, feral cats living throughout Troy’s abandoned buildings and alleys. City Council President Lynn Kopka announced the program as a collaboration with the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, the Rensselaer County Humane Society and other animal care groups.

NOTE: There will be a press conference for the Troy TNR program on Friday, March 23 at 4 p.m. at Troy City Hall, 1776 Sixth Avenue.

“Kopka has long been involved with the feral cat population in her neighborhood of Washington Park.

“The overpopulation of feral cats is a concern to residents and businesses throughout Troy,” said Kopka. “Working with the Humane Society in early spring to spay and neuter up to 150 cats is a good beginning to address this issue.”

The Humane Society receives thousands of stray kittens every year, many of them born from free roaming cats. South Troy has been identified by the Humane Society as one of the region’s “hot spots” for free roaming kittens being born.

“We are enthusiastic about the collaboration with the City of Troy on this project,” said Brad Shear, executive director of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. “This is exactly the kind of preventative program that will reduce the population of cats in the area and improve the quality of life for felines as well as humans.”

Troy’s animal control officer Kevin McDonough has seen an increase in the number of feral cats in recent years.

“I am optimistic about this coordinated operation to reduce the number of feral kittens born each year,” said McDonough. “Animal Control officers have little jurisdiction over feral cats but are aware of the neighborhoods’ concerns about their increasing numbers. Implementing a city-wide program of this nature is a step in the right direction.”

Laurene Smith, president of the Rensselaer County Humane Society, added that, “being in a joint venture with the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, the City of Troy, and the numerous wonderful animal care groups we have in our area on this very important and necessary project is what it’s all about when your mission is to help those animals in need.”

The Rensselaer County Humane Society will be also donating a supply of rabies vaccinations for the TNR as well as assisting in the trapping. Also contributing a supply of rabies vaccinations is Pondview Country Kennel. Five traps are donated by Troy’s own Pfeil Hardware. Various animal care groups, including Noah’s Kingdom, are lending traps.

Trapping locations will be identified by neighborhood groups, the City’s Animal Control Officer, volunteers tending feral cat colonies, Code Enforcement and TPD. Surgeries are scheduled for April 3 & 4, 10 & 11, and 17 & 18 at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. Cats will be trapped the day and evening prior to their trip to the operating room for spay or neuter services. Approximately 25-30 traps will be set for each day, with the expectation that at least 25 cats will be curious – or hungry – enough to enter the traps. Tasty meals of fish will be inserted in each trap. Curiosity will not kill the cats, but will leave them in a healthier state of mind and body.

After neuter or spay surgery, ear tipping and vaccination, each cat will be placed in the trap, driven to Troy and held overnight in a secure, enclosed location until release the following morning. Cats will be returned to their point of origin.

TNR will not solve the overpopulation of feral cats but will begin to address the proliferation of feral cats. Their numbers will gradually reduce. The behaviors and stresses associated with mating and fighting lessen. These adult cats are not candidates for adoption and cannot be introduced into homes as pets. Kittens can often be adopted, but they must be socialized at an early age.

OPERATION SNIP NEEDS:

Funds of $35 per cat
Drivers to and from the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society
Loan or donation of 50 hav-a-heart raccoon traps
Cat food
Small plastic disposable dishes
Small blankets/towels to cover the traps

Operation Snip is partially funded by an anonymous donation from an animal lover. Additional funds are being solicited and may be sent to the Troy PBA, PO Box 1041, Troy, NY 12181-1041. Clearly write “SNIP” on the check. All funds will go for direct services; volunteers will not be paid for any expenses. Donation or loan of Hav-A-Heart traps is needed. Volunteers are also being sought for driving to and from the trapping locations and Humane Society; intake at MHHS; and cleaning and return of traps.

To donate or loan a trap, contact Lynn Kopka at 274-6434.

Additional information about feral cats may be found at www.alleycats.org.

PUBLICITY IMAGES

For images of the cats and the cat “condos,” visit:

http://duncancrary.com/clients/snip.html

OPERATION SNIP PARTNERS AS OF MARCH 20, 2012

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society
Rensselaer County Humane Society
Troy Housing Authority
Pondview Country Kennel
Noah’s Kingdom
HOPE
Pfeil Hardware
City of Troy Animal Control Officer Kevin McDonough
Troy Police Benevolent Association
Pet Care Community Volunteers
Town of Colonie

NETWORK OF VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE TENDING COLONIES AND PRACTICING TNR

Gail Lundstrom
Deb Henderson
Peggy Kownack
Antoinette Sposito
Dusty Dalton
Sid Fleisher
Ginny Gokhale
Karla Guererri
Sonny Loomis
Charleen Vielkind
Sister Anne
Terry Cook

For information, contact Lynn Kopka 518-274-6434

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For Immediate Release

Contact: Duncan Crary
DCC@DuncanCrary.com

Troy Novelist leads Toast To Bat Shea With Seasonal Ale at Brown’s Brewing

Event Commemorates Notorious Troy Election Fraud, Celebrates New Paperback Book

TROY, N.Y. — This Thursday, March 8, Brown’s Brewing Co. will begin serving a seasonal ale with a wink and a nod to Troy’s Irish culture and historical saloon room political shenanigans.

“Bat Shea Red” is a traditional Amber Ale, named for Bartholomew “Bat” Shea, a nineteenth century Irish bar thug who was infamously accused, tried and executed for murdering Troy Industrialist Robert Ross during an incident of election fraud March 6, 1894.

At 5 p.m., Thursday, Troy novelist Jack Casey will lead a toast to Bat Shea and sing a few songs inspired by his story.

“Troy’s bars have been the setting for countless political schemes throughout our history,” said Casey, author of “The Trial of Bat Shea,” a novel, play and album. “Shea’s case is perhaps the most notorious of them because of the violence and the backlash. By the time he was executed in the electric chair, few believed he was guilty, but the courts refused to give him a new trial. This Thursday we’ll hoist a glass and sing some songs to remember this quintessential Irish rebel.”

THE STORY OF BAT SHEA
AMERICAN DEMOCRACY ON TRIAL

On election day, March 6, 1894, Troy brewer and political boss, U.S. Sen. Edward J. Murphy, D-Troy, sent a gang of Irish-Catholic repeat voters to stuff the ballot boxes of the city’s Thirteenth Ward in an attempt to steal the Republican alderman position for one of his own men, saloonkeeper George Dunlop. Ross, a Scots Presbyterian Republican, stood up to the gang led by Shea and was shot dead in the scuffle. The trial of Bat Shea became an international news story as the world watched American democracy on trial. Shea was convicted with perjured testimony hatched by the nativistic American Protective Association, that age’s Ku Klux Klan, and condemned to death. His appeals failed.

Three days before Shea’s execution, however, another man confessed to the murder. Even so, the court denied Shea a new trial. In his final moments, Shea forgave all responsible for his trial and conviction, and walked proudly to the electric chair. The man who hounded him to death, on a platform of anti-Irish bigotry, became governor.

JACK CASEY AND BAT SHEA

In the 1970s, Casey reintroduced a new generation of Trojans to the story of Bat Shea with a serialized novel that ran in The Troy Record. Since then, he has re-told the story as a novel, a play and an album of original music. This Thursday, “The Trial of Bat Shea” will be released in a new paperback edition with artwork and graphic designs by Lansingburgh native Jennifer Peyser. Copies will be available for sale at Brown’s during the event and online. For information, and to listen to the music, visit http://BatShea.com

“‘The Trial of Bat Shea’ is a true story about American immigrants, the failure of our criminal justice system and the same sort of bigotry and religious persecution we see today directed toward immigrants,” Casey said. “We promise democracy as a nation, and we say it’s guaranteed in our laws, but when people get here we don’t always deliver it.”

ABOUT THE BEER

Bat Shea Red Ale is a traditional seasonal Amber Ale brewed by Brown’s Brewing Co. in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Medium bodied and malty with moderate hoppiness, Bat Shea Red pairs nicely with traditional Irish dishes served in Brown’s Taproom. Malts: Domestic Two Row Pale, Caramel, Munich & Bonlander. Hops: Cascade & Willamette 5.25% alcohol by volume. Bat Shea Red Ale will be on tap in Brown’s Taproom and Revolution Hall from March 8 throughout St. Patrick’s Day.

Twenty-two oz bottles of Bat Shea Red, with special commemorative front and back labels, will be available for take home purchase at the bar for $4.99 per bottle.

Also available at Brown’s this Thursday, starting at 4 p.m., will be a special firkin of Cask Conditioned Dry Irish Stout while it lasts. http://brownsbrewing.com

PUBLICITY IMAGES

For a high resolution publicity poster, Bat Shea Red beer labels, author photos and a radio interview with musical performances by Jack Casey, visit:

http://duncancrary.com/clients/JackCasey.html

MORE BAT SHEA: MARCH 18

You can also catch Jack Casey on Sunday, March 18 at Bat Shea’s Pub on Ferry St. in Troy for more songs, and stories about Bat Shea. Copies of the new paperback edition of “The Trial of Bat Shea,” as will Bat Shea Red.

Contact Duncan Crary, 518-274-2723

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For Immediate Release

Contact: Mike Keller, 518-331-8827 (media only)

Bootlegger’s Pub Brings Live Comedy to Troy – Feb 11

“The Not Too Far From Home Comedy Tour” Serves Up Laughs, Locally

TROY, NY (Feb. 1, 2012) — On Saturday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m., Bootlegger’s On Broadway will host “The Not Too Far From Home Comedy Tour,” featuring comedians Aaron David Ward, Dave Cooperman and Deric Harrington.

“It’s easy to catch a live comedy act in Boston or New York, but there aren’t many places for comedy around here,” said Nate Rock, co-owner of Bootlegger’s. “Sometimes people want a little more than the usual bar scene — they want to be entertained.”

Headlined by Aaron David Ward, “The Not Too Far From Home Comedy Tour” has been making stops at bars, cafes, colleges, and other venues throughout upstate New York and New England.

Ward’s style has been described as self-deprecating, socio-political, and culturally critical comedy that is both auto-biographical and worldly. He has appeared in several movies, including “What I See In the Dark” and “Aftermath,” and in a pilot for MTV and VH1 titled “The List.” But people in this area may be more familiar with the political commentary he supplies for “The Glenn Slingerland Situation,” a locally produced program broadcast on MY TV 4.

“He’s kind of like Lewis Black’s little brother,” Rock said of Ward. “The last time he played Bootlegger’s, he killed it.”

Opening act Dave “Coop” Cooperman has been described as a hybrid of Ray Romano and Jim Carrey. His brand of physical yet thought-provoking comedy is tied to his interracial marriage because he likes to talk about what it’s like to marry and be in love with a CAP (Chinese-American Princess). Coop’s goofy and physical approach to social satire distinguish him from other acts.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Bootlegger’s co-owner Mike Keller thinks a comedy show might just be the place to meet other singles still in search of a date. “They do say laughter is one of the best aphrodisiacs,” Keller said. “And you don’t even have to be the one cracking the jokes this Saturday.”

TICKETS

Tickets for “The Not Too Far From Home Comedy Tour” at Bootlegger’s on Broadway will be available at the door and will cost $10. The pub is located at 200 Broadway, in downtown Troy. Parking is available on the street and in the city-owned parking lot, located one block away on First Street. For information call 518-874-4475

PUBLICITY IMAGES

To download high resolution publicity images of “The Not Too Far From Home Comedy Tour,” visit:

http://www.duncancrary.com/clients/Bootleggers

FOR MORE ON THE COMEDIANS

Aaron David Ward
http://www.aarondavidward.com

Dave Cooperman
http://www.davecooperman.com

Deric Harington
http://www.funnyderic.com

ABOUT BOOTLEGGER’S ON BROADWAY

Established June 2011, Bootlegger’s on Broadway is owned by longtime friends Nate Rock, 31, of Coxsakie, and Mike Keller, 36, of Watervliet. The bar, restaurant and accompanying ballroom occupy the first floor of the historic Hendrick Hudson building, a former hotel overlooking Monument Square. The sprawling but cozy space has a touch of elegance — Milan chandeliers, African mahogany and Brazilian cherry floors — that Keller describes as “gourmet leftovers” from the previous business, Chef Larry Schepici’s upscale Tosca Grille.

For information, call 518-331-8827 (media only), or visit http://bootleggersonbroadway.com.

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For Immediate Release

Contact: Gregg Stacy, 518-698-8330

Festival of Manliness Pours Pints for Prostates

Brewer uses beer, cigars, wild game and football to promote men’s health — Jan. 22, 2012

TROY, N.Y. (Dec. 8, 2011) — An Upstate N.Y. brewery is fighting prostate cancer this winter with a festival devoted to all things manly.

“Let’s face it, men visit their bartender more often than their doctor,” said Gregg Stacy, vice president of Brown’s Brewing Co. of Troy, N.Y. “So we figured we might as well bring health awareness to the place where men already congregate: the pub.”

On Sunday, Jan. 22. at 4 p.m., Brown’s Brewing Company of Troy, N.Y. will host “The Festival of Manliness,” in its Revolution Hall. A portion of the proceeds from this gentlemanly event will benefit the “Pints for Prostates” campaign, a 501(c)3 organization that encourages men to get screened regularly for prostate cancer.

“One in six men will face prostate cancer sometime during their lives,” said Rick Lyke, prostate cancer survivor and founder of Pints for Prostates. Lyke is a former Capital Region resident, having lived in Clifton Park for nearly 10 years before moving to Charlotte, N.C. in 2005. “Prostate cancer is one of those cancers that if you detect it early enough and have proper treatment, it’s nearly 100 percent survivable. That’s why our message about getting tested is so critical.”

The Festival of Manliness will feature a wild game beer supper and hand rolled cigars while the NFC Championship plays on the Hall’s 16′x10′ screen. The event will conclude with a raffle drawing of manly prizes, including: membership to the Brown’s Mug Club, a bottle of single malt scotch, a gas grill, a Carhartt gift card, and an expenses paid seven-day trip for two to three breweries in Belgium.

“We realize guys and beer go together and we decided to use the universal language of beer to reach men,” said Lyke. “But we’re all about moderation when it concerns consumption, and actually there are a lot of studies out there that show that moderate consumption of beer is good for your health.”

ABOUT

Brown’s Brewing Co. handcrafts more than 22 different styles of ales and lagers including an award winning Oatmeal Stout and Whiskey Porter. Brown’s is located at 417 River Street in Troy, N.Y. For more information, visit http://brownsbrewing.com or call 518-273-BEER.

Pints for Prostates is a grassroots campaign that uses the universal language of beer to reach men with an important health message. Founded by prostate cancer survivor Rick Lyke in 2008, the campaign raises awareness among men about the need for regular health screenings. Pints for Prostates has registered as a 501(c)3 charity and 100 percent of all funds raised by the group go to fighting prostate cancer and assisting men with the disease. For information, visit: http://pintsforprostates.org

PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH RICK LYKE

To listen to a podcast interview between Gregg Stacy and Rick Lyke, about Pints for Prostates and The Festival of Manliness, click here:

PUBLICITY IMAGES

For high resolution publicity images for The Festival of Manliness, Brown’s Brewing Co., visit: http://www.duncancrary.com/clients/browns.html

For information or to schedule an interview, contact: Gregg Stacy at 518-698-8330

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Media coverage resulting from this press release:

Bite-Sized: Brown’s throwing ‘manly’ fest in January, Times Union, Dec. 14, 2011.

The Festival of Manliness, All Over Albany, Dec. 12, 2011.

Brown’s throwing ‘manly’ fest in January, Times Union -Table Hopping blogDec. 12, 2011.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Amy Williams 518-273-0552 ext 228

Jump N’ Jive “River Street Riot” to Benefit Arts Center, April 16

Featuring: The Tichy Boys, food by Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

TROY, N.Y. (03/28/2011) — This April 16 is “River Street Riot,” a night that promises to be one of the Capital Region’s biggest, most innovative rockabilly dance parties ever.

All proceeds will benefit The Arts Center of the Capital Region.

“Rockabilly itself is a blast,” said Amy Williams, Arts Center president. “Add to that a few muscle cars, a jive dance lesson, some temporary tattoos, and great food and drinks — why, it’s going to be a riot!”

This is a new event for The Arts Center. Festivities will begin at 7 p.m. on April 16 at The Arts Center, 265 River Street in downtown Troy.

The evening will feature live music by The Tichy Boys, consisting of John Tichy, a founding member of the legendary Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen, and his son Graham, a highly respected local musician, along with others. The food concession at the Riot will be provided by Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.

There will be photo ops with cutouts of 1950s icons Bettie Page, the bombshell pin-up queen, and James Dean, the ultimate bad boy. Prizes will be awarded for the best Page and Dean look-alikes. The evening also will feature a dance contest and a silent auction.

“We really want the crowd to have fun and let loose,” said Daria Mallin, party planning committee member. “So we picked a few not-so-prim-and-proper celebs for the look-alike contest.”

Mallin said she expects the evening — filled with music, art, fashion and fantastic energy — will be especially attractive to the local arts community, college students, music lovers, swing and jive dancers, art collectors, foodies and “retrophiles.”

“Our theme is great music, a trendy ‘look,’ cool cars, and hip styles of dance,” Mallin said. “We’re really aiming to transport party goers with a rockin’ evening of fun for a good cause.”

FAST FACTS:

Who: The Tichy Boys, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

What: River Street Riot

Where: The Arts Center of the Capital Region

When: Saturday, April 16, 2011, 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Why: To benefit local arts at The Arts Center

Cost: $15 advance/members; $20 at the door. To purchase tickets in advance, visit http://artscenteronline.org or call 518- 273-0552.

PUBLICITY IMAGES:

For a high resolution River Street Riot poster, visit: http://duncancrary.com/clients/ArtsCenter.html

For information, contact Amy Williams at 518-273-0552 ext 228.

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Family-Friendly Celtic Storytelling, Music & Dance Performance, March 5 & 6

Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company with Storyteller Bairbre McCarthy Present “Celtic Footprints” at The Arts Center of the Capital Region

TROY, NY (Feb. 28, 2011)—A performance of spoken word, music and dance this weekend at The Arts Center of the Capital Region will tell the story of the Celts.

In “Celtic Footprints,” Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company and seanchaí (storyteller) Bairbre McCarthy bring audiences on a fantastical journey that follows the historical migration of the Celtic peoples from Central Europe to Scotland, Wales & Ireland and then across the Atlantic to Appalachia.

Audiences of this family-friendly show will see and hear the myth of the Seal People, the Legend of the Swans, the Adventures of Jack (beyond the beanstalk), and more.

WHO: Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company & Storyteller Bairbre McCarthy

WHAT: Celtic Footprints

WHERE: The Arts Center of the Capital Region, 265 River Street, Troy, NY 12180

WHEN: Saturday, March 5 at 7 p.m. & Sunday, March 6 at 1:30 p.m.

TICKETS: In-Advance: $12 / $10 Members / $8 Children | At the Door: $15 (518) 273-0552

PUBLICITY IMAGES

To download high resolution publicity photographs of Bairbre McCarthy and of the Ellen Sinopoli dancers, visit: http://duncancrary.com/clients/The_Arts_Center_of_The_Capital_Region.html

ABOUT THE STORYTELLER

Ireland’s Sunday Tribune describes County Clare native Bairbre McCarthy as a master storyteller. The Irish Prime Minister brought her latest book, “The Keeper of the Crock of Gold” to the White House on St. Patrick’s Day 2009 as a gift for the daughters of President Barack Obama. McCarthy now lives near Saratoga Springs, N.Y

Her website is: http://www.bairbremccarthy.com

ABOUT THE DANCERS

Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company (ESDC) presents the provocative and richly imagined choreography of Artistic Director Ellen Sinopoli. ESDC is the resident company of The Egg in Albany, N.Y. This year, Ellen Sinopoli and her dancers celebrate ESDC’s 20th Season. http://www.sinopolidances.org

ABOUT THE ARTS CENTER

Located in 5 adjoining 19th-century buildings in downtown Troy, The Arts Center of the Capital Region includes a fully-accessible 99-seat theater, four galleries and specially-designed studios for pottery, print-making, culinary arts, jewelry-making, woodworking, painting and drawing, stained glass, and dance. http://www.artscenteronline.org.

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For Immediate Release

Contact Jeff Gaines, 518-237-7353

TEDx Comes to Albany: Call For Speakers, Sponsors, Volunteers

Nov. 4 Event to Offer Mind-blowing Discussion

ALBANY (6/29/10)– TEDxAlbany, where x=independently organized TED event, will present a day of information, inspiration and entertainment in the Lewis A. Swyer Theatre of The Egg on Nov. 4, 2010.

The organizers of TEDxAlbany are currently seeking speakers, sponsors and volunteers. The theme is “Human Change.”

“TEDxAlbany is bringing the excitement of TED to New York’s Capital Region,” said Jeff Gaines, TEDxAlbany organizer. “If you still haven’t heard of TED, check out a few videos on the website and you’ll be hooked. There’s nothing more inspiring than experiencing the reckless sharing of good ideas by intelligent people.”

(more…)

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Kathleen Tesnakis,  518-274-0813

STYLISH ECO-FASHION DESIGNER SETS UP SHOP IN CHELSEA, NYC, DEC. 10-23
‘e ko logic makes ‘green’ apparel worn around the world

MANHATTAN (Nov. 30) –  ‘e ko logic, the designer of ‘green’ clothing worn around the world, will showcase its high-style, eco-friendly apparel at the Chelsea Market from Dec. 10 to Dec. 23, during the JINGLE holiday pop-up store.

“We were making fashionable ‘green’ clothing before ‘green’ was in fashion,” said designer Kathleen Tesnakis, who founded ‘e ko logic in 1996.

‘e ko logic is a husband-and-wife team, based in Troy, N.Y., that uses recycled cashmere and post-consumer fabric to create one-of-a-kind hats, scarves and sweaters for men and women. They also make cashmere dresses and skirts.

Every item made by ‘e ko logic is unique because of the way Tesnakis gathers and assembles her materials. After hunting down discarded cashmere sweaters and other fabric treasures, she dismantles each article of clothing while taking the time to recognize its individual character and beauty. Finally, she transforms the material by joining it with other pieces to give an old garment a new life and purpose.

“There’s a little magic and a lot of love in each piece we construct,” Tesnakis said. “We can’t request our palette. We use what we find.”

‘e ko logic clothing is sought-after by the environmentally conscious and fashion conscious alike, from New York to Japan. Even a few celebrities, like Lee Ranaldo, of the iconic rock band Sonic Youth, are sporting ‘e ko logic apparel.

Accessories by ‘e ko logic cost between $72 to $120, while clothing prices range from $242 to $570.

Most of ‘e ko logic’s wholesale business comes from New York City, which is why the company relocated from Portland, Ore. to upstate New York in 2002.  They are now housed in a century-old building that was originally used to recycle left-over textile scraps from the Troy shirt collar and cuff industry. To date, ‘e ko logic has recycled more than seven tons of post-consumer clothing.

New Yorkers can purchase ‘e ko logic clothing at Cog & Pearl in Brooklyn, and Arleen Bowman in Manhattan. Accessories by ‘e ko logic are available at the Museum of Art & Design in Manhattan.

This December, ‘e ko logic will join several independent designers who will be selling clothing, jewelry, stationery, and art made from recycled products during the Chelsea Market JINGLE holiday pop up  store.

Chelsea Market is located at 75 9th Avenue (Between 15th and 16th Streets). JINGLE’s grand opening is Dec. 10 at 4 p.m.  The event continues through Dec. 23. Hours are Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We like to think of the Jingle as Brigadoon in Manhattan. It’s a special place that only appears once per year, full of creative energy and talented artists,” Tesnakis said. “Most people don’t know where their clothing was manufactured. Buying directly from the designer is a meaningful way to shop for clothes.”

For information, visit: http://www.ekologic.com .

For images and an ‘e ko logic logo, visit: http://duncancrary.com/clients/ekologic.html

Contact Kathleen Tesnakis at 518-274-0813 or 518-867-1864 (mobile).

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For Immediate Release

Contact: Kathleen Tesnakis, 518-274-0813

‘E KO LOGIC TO HOST GREEN FASHION OPEN STUDIO IN TROY, DEC. 6
Troy Designer Was Making Green Fashion Before Green Was Fashionable

TROY, N.Y. (Nov. 24, 2009) — ‘e ko logic, the designer of high fashion recycled cashmere clothing, will host an open studio during Troy’s Victorian Stroll, this Dec. 6, from noon to 5 p.m.

“We love inviting people into our beautiful space in Troy so they can meet us and see how our clothing is made,” said Kathleen Tesnakis, ‘e ko logic founder and designer. “Most people don’t know where their clothing was manufactured. Buying directly from the designer is a meaningful way to shop for clothes.”

‘e ko logic is a husband-and-wife team that uses recycled cashmere and post-consumer fabric to create one-of-a-kind hats, scarves and sweaters for men and women. They also make cashmere dresses and skirts.

Every item made by ‘e ko logic is unique because of the way Tesnakis gathers her materials and assembles them. First, she hunts for discarded cashmere sweaters and other clothing treasures. Next, she dismantles each piece of clothing, taking time to recognize its character and individual beauty. Finally, she transforms the material by joining it with other pieces to give an old garment a new life and purpose.

“There is a little magic and a lot of love in each piece we construct,” Tesnakis said. “We can’t request our palette. We use what we find.”

‘e ko logic clothing is sold around the world, from New York to Japan, and is sought-after by the eco-conscious and fashion-conscious alike. Even a few celebrities are sporting the Made-in-Troy clothing. Lee Ranaldo, of the iconic rock band Sonic Youth, was recently photographed for the national music magazine “Blurt” wearing apparel by ‘e ko logic.

Not every piece of ‘e ko logic clothing makes it into the limelight, but many items continue to have adventures of their own. One ‘e ko logic hat traveled the world on the head of a monk, and two hats met while stationed in Antarctica. Just recently, Tesnakis  received a call from a woman who wanted to replace an ‘e ko logic hat that had been stolen off her husband’s head by an owl.

“Somewhere in Washington State there is an owl with a very comfortable cashmere nest,” Tesnakis said.  “I’m glad our clothing was recycled.”

At ‘e ko logic, recycling extends beyond the clothing. The century-old building where ‘e ko logic is headquartered, at 444 River Street, was originally used to recycle left-over textile scraps from the Troy collar and cuff industry, turning “batts” and “shoddys” into things like pillows.

“A hundred years later, we’re still doing the same thing in this building,” Tesnakis said. “We were making fashionable ‘green’ clothing before ‘green’ was in fashion. And we’re proud to be located in a city that was known for making clothes and reusing textiles.”

After the Victorian Stroll in Troy, ‘e ko logic will be selling a special line of apparel at the Chelsea Market JINGLE in Manhattan, from Dec. 10 to Dec. 23. But visitors at their Troy Open Studio will have a sneak preview and the chance to buy those items before their New York City debut.

‘e ko logic accessories cost from $72 to $120. Clothing ranges in price from $242 to $570. Credit cards are accepted at the studio and online.

“My motto for this year has been: be revolutionary, act intentionally,” Tesnakis said. “When people support creative businesses like ‘e ko logic, they are empowering themselves. Because we have the ability to enrich our community by making conscious choices about where we shop.”

For information, visit: http://www.ekologic.com . For high resolution publicity images, visit: http://duncancrary.com/clients/ekologic.html

Contact Kathleen Tesnakis at 518-274-0813.

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