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: Joe Glick (518) 857-5186

Troy Nightclub Offers Alcohol-Free Fun for College Students – May 8, 2012

End of Semester Dance Party for Ages 18 and Over at Kokopellis

TROY, NY (04/20/12) – The owner of a Troy nightclub is working with local students to offer a no-alcohol dance party experience this Tuesday, May 8, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

“There are just too many issues with over/under events where alcohol is served. So we are designing an 18 and over club night for the sole purpose of giving college students a safe place to go and dance where absolutely no alcohol is served,” said Joe Glick, owner of Kokopellis night club. “Our bouncers will not allow anyone in the club who is visibly under the influence.”

Glick, 34, purchased the three-story club building with his father Barry Glick in August. While the first floor sports lounge and third floor VIP lounge have stocked bars on them, both will be closed and locked during the alcohol-free event. Instead, only the second-story dance floor will be open, and will be accessible only through its own separate street-level entrance. The dance club can accommodate 99 people at one time and features a high-end sound system and the hottest intelligent laser light show in the Capital Region. There will be no re-admittance for this event.

Graduating RPI senior Chris Low, 21, who first approached Glick with the idea of hosting a no-alcohol dance party at the club, considers the event his parting present to the younger students.

“When I was a freshman, the student policies weren’t as strict as now,” Low said, citing new college regulations and city laws regarding college parties and noise complaints. “Essentially the social scene at RPI has become non-existent unless you are over 21.”

Low does have an occasional drink now that he’s 21, but says he takes pride in being responsible and is usually the sober, designated driver for his friends.

“Although some students think otherwise, alcohol and fun are not necessarily intertwined,” said Low. “I want to show that you can have fun without alcohol.”

Low expects to draw most club goers to the event from the RPI student population, but students from any area college are invited to attend.

He is currently attempting to raise $3,600 to make the event entirely free for those who attend. His costs include a $2,500 rental fee for the club, $400 for the DJ, $400 for an RPI shuttle to bring students to and from the club, $250 for food, and $50 for incidental costs.

Donations by check should be made to Kokopellis Nightclub, with “Zero Alcohol Party” in the memo. Mail to: Kokopellis, 124 4th St. Troy, NY 12180. Online donations by PayPal or Credit Card can be made at:

http://www.kokopellisclub.com/zero-alcohol-dance-party.html

Low is also currently seeking event sponsorships from businesses and nonprofits. If he does not reach his fundraising goal, there may be an admission fee for the event.

For information and updates, visit:

http://www.kokopellisclub.com/zero-alcohol-dance-party.html

If there is interest from the college community, Glick says he would be willing to host similar alcohol-free events next year.

On the following night, Wednesday, May 9, all three levels of Kokopellis will be open for a 21 and over end of the school year party featuring entertainment by DJ Joey G Entertainment.

“We’re trying to provide something for the entire college community,” Glick said. “On Tuesday, we have the alcohol-free party for students under 21. On Wednesday, we’ll host a party for the 21 and over students who want to drink responsibly.”

UPCOMING EVENTS AT KOKOPELLIS

Kokopellis will host an Open House from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 27 during Troy Night Out. All three levels of the club, including the first floor sports bar, the second floor dance club, and the third floor high-end VIP lounge, will be open to the public so that visitors can fully explore Troy’s newest hot spot.

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

Media Contacts:

Joe Glick (518) 857-5186 | Chris Low (310) 699-0149

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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 Duncan Crary, 518-274-2723

Podcast-Based Book Explores The Tragic Comedy of Suburban Sprawl

The KunstlerCast: Conversations with James Howard Kunstler by Duncan Crary

TROY, N.Y. (Nov. 29, 2011) — James Howard Kunstler is one of the most outspoken and funniest critics of suburban sprawl, fossil fuel depletion and the collapsing American dream.

His best-known books on the subject include “The Geography of Nowhere,” “The Long Emergency,” and the post-oil novel “World Made By Hand.”

A new book-length interview with the acclaimed urban planning/social critic revisits and updates his ideas on America’s built environment, impending energy crisis and unfolding financial meltdown.

“The KunstlerCast: Conversations with James Howard Kunstler … The Tragic Comedy of Suburban Sprawl,” by Duncan Crary (New Society Publishers, Nov. 2011) is available through booksellers. The book is based on four years of recorded conversations between Kunstler and Crary, which first “aired” on the popular weekly “KunstlerCast” podcast.

The topics covered in “The KunstlerCast” are often dire, like peak oil, urban planning, architecture, the economy, gentrification and infrastructure. But these intergenerational conversations between Kunstler, 63, and Crary, 33, are often highly amusing.

“It’s sort of evolved into a comedy act,” Kunstler says of his approach to critiquing life in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. “Samuel Beckett put it well when he said ‘Nothing is funnier than unhappiness.’ Our built environments cause us so much unhappiness, so much distress, that they’re a source of comedy.”

Crary, who has spent more than 100 hours talking with Kunstler on the podcast, says Kunstler’s humor and command of language keep him coming back for more, year after year, despite the commentator’s sometimes bleak and frightening outlook for American civilization.

“Like a lot of Gen X’ers, I was hatched on a cul-de-sac in the American suburbs,” said Crary. “And I was very unhappy growing up out there. But Jim’s maliciously funny view of suburbia has always given me a lot laughs. And it helped me to better articulate the failures of that ‘living arrangement with no future.’”

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR THE KUNSTLERCAST

“James Howard Kunstler plainly has a lot to say about the state of the world. And while much of it is bad, bad news — aggressively, congenitally, perhaps even fatally bad — he speaks with such vim and vigor that you find yourself nodding in agreement rather than looking for a noose. Duncan Crary wrangles these free-wheeling conversations masterfully. A bracing dose of reality for an unreal world.”

— Stephen J. Dubner, co-author, “Freakonomics” and “SuperFreakonomics”

PUBLICITY IMAGES

For more information and high-resolution publicity images, visit http://KunstlerCast.com/book

Contact Duncan Crary, 518-274-2723.

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Media coverage Resulting from this press release

For news & reviews of The KunstlerCast, visit: http://kunstlercast.com/book/book-reviews

For Immediate Release

Contact Duncan Crary, 518-274-2723

Chris Ryan ’86 Plays Bootlegger in PBS Prohibition Film

Lessons Learned at Wagner Translate to Successful Community Business

TROY, NY (Oct. 7, 2011) — Chris Ryan ’86 made his acting debut on the small screen this October when his Troy, New York establishment, Ryan’s Wake Public House, served as a filming location for a PBS special.

Ryan plays a mouthy bootlegger in “William Kennedy’s Prohibition Story,” a 30-minute documentary about the life and times of infamous East Coast gangster Jack “Legs” Diamond. The movie is airing statewide and beyond on PBS affiliate stations this winter.

Though it’s not every day that film crews set up shop there, Ryan’s riverfront bar in Troy’s entertainment district is a popular hangout where politicians, business leaders and artists mingle and make things happen in their community. Ryan’s Wake and its authentic turn-of-the century decor is a frequent winner in the “Best Bar” category, selected annually by Capital Region media.

“A true pub is more than a bar,” Ryan said. “It’s a community space, a ‘Third Place,’ where people of all walks of life relax and congregate after work. It’s often the first setting for important civic conversations that lead to real change in a small community like ours.”

As a business major at Wagner, Ryan supported himself by working as the Student Union Operations Manager and as manger/bartender at The Hawk’s Nest, a student pub. After college he worked for two years as a staff member, with a focus on economic development, for former Staten Island Borough President Ralph J. Lamberti.

“Working for Ralph gave me a great opportunity to participate in city government and appreciate how it affects the business community and most aspects of our lives.”

But as a native of Utica, Ryan was eager to return upstate to put his experience in business, economic development and hospitality to use.

In the early 1990s, Ryan accepted a management position at Brown’s Brewing Co., a locally owned upstart brewery and restaurant that has since become an anchor in Troy’s bustling waterfront entertainment district. While at Brown’s, Ryan helped establish Revolution Hall, a state-of-the-art performance space adjacent to and owned by the brewery. In 2005, the Wagner graduate opened Ryan’s Wake Public House on the same block.

These initiatives were major steps toward the urban revitalization of this small but up-and-coming Hudson River city, which is quickly becoming an attractive place for young professionals, artists and entrepreneurs to live, work and play.

Does Ryan plan to launch a new career as an actor? Probably not. But Troy has been the setting for several major motion pictures in recent years, including “Ironweed,”"The Age of Innocence” and “The Time Machine.”

“That’s why they call this place ‘Hollywood on the Hudson,’” Ryan said of his adopted city.

To catch Ryan’s performance in “William Kennedy’s Prohibition Story,” check the schedule of your local PBS station or purchase a DVD at wmht.org/prohibition. For information about Ryan’s Wake Public House, visit: ryanswake.com.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

The name “Ryan’s Wake” is a nod to the Ryan family funeral business and to the tradition of celebrating life at an Irish wake. It is also a playful reference to the wakes created by passing boats on the nearby Hudson River.

PUBLICITY PHOTOS

For high resolution movie stills and a clip from William Kennedy’s Prohibition Story,” filmed at Ryan’s Wake Public House, visit: http://duncancrary.com/clients/ProhibitionStory.html

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Media coverage resulting from this press release:

This pitch was picked up by the Wagner College Magazine.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Duncan Crary, 518-274-2723

Utica Brothers Appear in Prohibition Film Tonight on PBS Affiliate

“William Kennedy’s Prohibition Story” recounts exploits of upstate NY gangster

TROY, NY (Oct. 2, 2011) — Two Utica natives will appear in a documentary film about the Prohibition broadcast tonight on the Central NY PBS affiliate.

“William Kennedy’s Prohibition Story” is a 30-minute documentary film that airs tonight Sunday, Oct. 2 at 10 pm on PBS affiliate WCNY/Channel 24 – Syracuse, NY (and tonight on WHMT/Channel 17 – Troy at 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.).

The film stars Pulitzer Prize winning author and Albany native William Kennedy (“Ironweed,”"Legs”), who recounts the fascinating and violent exploits of gangster-bootlegger Jack “Legs” Diamond during the Prohibition era.

One of the most famous East Coast gangsters, Diamond built criminal empires in New York City and the Catskills during the 1920s and 30s.

The Kennedy film, which airs in conjunction with Ken Burn’s latest documentary “Prohibition,” includes archival footage and re-enactments.

In one re-enactment scene, native Utica brothers Chris Ryan, 47, and Matt Ryan, 46, play bootlegger brothers William “Red” Cassidy and Pete Cassidy who were murdered in 1929 by Legs Diamond in the gangster’s Hotsy Totsy Club on Manhattan’s West Side.

That scene and one other were filmed in Chris Ryan’s Troy, N.Y. bar, Ryan’s Wake Pub.

FUN FACT:

The beer served in the film is Utica Club!

For those who miss tonight’s broadcast, Central New York residents should check the WCNY/Channel 24 schedule for future broadcasts of “William Kennedy’s Prohibition Story.” The documentary film will also be available on DVD. It is also airing on other PBS stations across the state and beyond this October.

UTICA CONNECTION ALIVE AT RYAN’S WAKE

When Chris Ryan established Ryan’s Wake pub in 2005, in the waterfront entertainment district of Troy, N.Y., he kept his hometown connection alive by making sure Utica Club beer is always on tap. The bar owner says he serves about two kegs of UC per week, in addition to other popular Matt Brewing Company products.

Schultz & Dooley, the famous “spokesmugs” for the West End Brewing Company (later purchased by Matt Brewing Co.), also keep watch over the crowds at Ryan’s Wake, where many former Utica residents congregate.

For information about William Kennedy’s Prohibition Story, visit: http://www.wmht.org/prohibition

PUBLICITY PHOTOS

For high resolution movie stills and a clip from William Kennedy’s Prohibition Story,” filmed at Ryan’s Wake Public House, visit: http://duncancrary.com/clients/ProhibitionStory.html.

For information, call Duncan Crary at 518-274-2723

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Media coverage resulting from this press release:

This pitch resulted in a television news story which aired on WKTV Ch. 2 in Utica.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Dylan Palazzo, 518-257-2601

Indie Band To Release Children’s Book & Accompanying Album

Albany band “Sea of Trees” creates a picture book listening experience Release party and performance Troy Night Out, Aug. 26

ALBANY, N.Y. (8/9/2011) — “Sea of Trees” is an indie band known for their haunting melodies, sweeping dynamics and visceral live performances.

Their latest project, “Fletcher and The Hendersons,” expands on the band’s imaginative songwriting skills with an accompanying illustrated children’s book.

“I’m a songwriter, but writing a children’s picture book is something I always wanted to do,” said Dylan Palazzo, the band’s singer and principle songwriter. “I wanted to create a narrative that would contain elements of fantasy and whimsy, and then enhance that story through music.”

“Fletcher and The Hendersons” follows the early life of Florence, a girl who grows up without her father and is raised by a ghost named Fletcher, who lives in her family’s house. With encouragement and help from the ghost, she makes her way through helicopter school and discovers that her father may not actually be dead after a helicopter robbery and crash.

The book’s illustrations are by Pelham, N.Y.-based artist Nancy Palazzo, Dylan’s mother, who has worked as a freelance designer/artist in the world of infant and children’s bedding and clothing for more than 30 years. This is her first time illustrating a children’s book.

“The inspiration for the illustrations came directly from Dyl. He’s amazing to work with and he took all the time I needed to understand the multi-levels of his story,” Nancy Palazzo said. “The lyrics provided a clear description for my mind’s eye to grasp.”

This is not the first time mother and son have collaborated. Her first work with the band was in 2010 when she provided the cover art for their self-titled EP, “Sea of Trees.”

ALBUM IN 28 DAYS

The music for “Fletcher and The Hendersons” was written and recorded for the RPM Challenge 2011, an annual nationwide contest for musicians to cut an original record from scratch solely during the month of February.

“Recording this album in a month was a whirlwind, but I think the time constraint gave it a spontaneous, youthful feel,” Dylan Palazo said. “If we had spent more time, I think we might have dampened some of that spark we were able to capture.”

The powerful chords of an old Lowrey organ feature prominently on the album, at one point even evoking the sounds of a helicopter taking off in the first song. The instrument, which was once commonly found in many homes, is featured in the famous youth anthem, “Baba O’Reily” by The Who. Other instruments on the album include acoustic guitar, pedal bass and lap steel guitar.

Though “Sea of Trees” is a five-person band, the album is the product of three members: Dylan Palazo (vocals, acoustic guitar), Mitch Masteron (organ, pedal bass, percussion) and Ian White (percussion, mandolin, lap steel guitar).

PERFORMANCES/RELEASE PARTY

The book and CD will be available exclusively at Design It Together in Troy for the week of August 22-26. The band will be staging a free acoustic performance in the store, located at 286 River St, during Troy Night Out this Aug. 26, starting at 8:30 p.m.

The book and CD will also be available at RestFest, Aug. 27 and 28 at St. Joseph’s Church in Albany. It will also be available for purchase online through the band’s website and in several locations throughout the Capital Region, including Last Vestige, the Beat Shop, Market Block Books, and the Book House at Stuyvesant Plaza.

ABOUT SEA OF TREES

Sea of Trees is a five-person band that weaves male/female vocals and spacious indie rock arrangements into a sound that has been described as imaginative, moody, dynamic and beautiful.

The band has performed across the Capital District and in New York City, often utilizing other art forms like dance, costumes, crafts and theatrics in concert with their live performances to enhance the sprawling, dynamic nature of their work. Their debut full-length album, “Animal Sounds,” earned them “The Best New Band of 2009″ in Albany’s alternative weekly Metroland.

For more information visit www.seaoftrees.com

PUBLICITY IMAGES FOR MEDIA ONLY

High resolution images and music from “Fletcher and The Hendersons” are available for reproduction at: http://seaoftrees.com/album/fletcher-and-the-hendersons

Contact: Dylan Palazzo at 518-257-2601

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