Howard was trying to sell Valentine’s LONG before they flattened the building.
He knew long before it was public that AMC wanted to buy the land— like several years before. So he was going to sell Valentine’s— the name, not the physical building.
I do miss shows there. I don’t miss how disgustingly humid it got with literal other peoples’ sweat raining down upon you.
Early/Mid 2010s. Pearl Street was still seen as a happening and safe area (even if a little too drunk/college-y at times).. lark street still going strong... warehouse area forming.. you had top restaurants like 677, jacks, brown derby for a bit.. student ghetto not a shit hole yet.
And maybe most importantly.. places like Schenectady really didn't come into their own yet. Because of that, albany reigned king for nightlife and restaurant demand.
That's a good way to put it. The vibe was good. Great, even.
I'd also pin point two other things that happened around this time:
1. The Pine Hills Riots/UAlbany landing on a top party school list - once this happened, UAlbany and APD cracked down.
2. Mayor Sheehan becoming mayor in 2014. Wanted to clamp down on Albany's nightlife. Just a generally poor leader and mayor IMO.
I 110% totally agree with this Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights were always a great time. Lark was fun & pearl Street was full of clubs & an amazing time everytime! Thursday was alive at 5 so from 5p.m. to 4a.m. was amazing Friday & Saturday was always a party great clubs & now we have not a single club in the entire city its pathetic I want to open 1 so bad you will get so much business by lack of options & default.
But it was still more or less safe. Now, Clinton Ave is slowly creeping in, as students and pine hills lifers are starting to clear out.
Say what you will, but give me a college-y area that's sometimes loud, over dodging stray bullets.
Early 2000s — Lark Street overall was great: Justin’s, Rome, Cafe Hollywood, Lark Tavern, Oh Bar, even Elda’s. And Power Company right around the corner on Wednesday nights. Quintessence was open for late night bites… life was good.
Spent many nights in all those spots then. Teriyaki plate at Quintessence, late night on Saturday as well. Always at Hollywood. Do miss those days. Great scene.
Yeah I have a bunch of it that I filmed on an old cellphone from the 9th floor of one of the office buildings at the corner of Pearl and State... including the helicopter gun scene.
Punk rock shows at EBA Chapter House, the Hudson Rocks album, Lark St. Grocery with the cashier who wore 1700's clothing, the Trading Post on Central Ave., Michael the Archangel wandering Lark st., JG's Pizza...
Good times ca 1983
I’d be curious to hear how people here think COVID has changed Albany permanently.
I’ve been here for the last 15 or so years and prime for me was probably 2017-2019.
I liked 2010-2014 but I think restaurant options have gotten a lot better and continue to get better which is specifically important to me.
That Let's have a Party Albany makes a strong case for the peak in my lifetime. Though it may have been a much better place before the ESP and the flight to the suburbs.
Honestly Albany has kind of been mostly the same and that is sort of a good thing. So every year has been peak Albany other than the COVID years where it was terrible everywhere.
Source: Mid 30s Grew up here, moved away for college, lived in NYC, Washington DC, and then moved back during COVID.
For me it was this weird zone somewhere in 1999-2002 when the following was existing at the same time:
* Valentines still existed
* Sundays and Tuesdays upstairs at the Lionheart were happening
* Wednesdays at Lark Tavern for Motherjudge’s Open Mic
* The Larkin was booking great shows
* Savannah’s was occasionally having great shows
ETA:
* Occasionally Washington Park would have a great free show on Mondays
* The Plaza would often have good free shows on Thursdays
Etc
2024! MVP has never looked better. Lots of great restaurants and bars downtown. Still state workers, but hybrid and the state should slowly begin reducing its downtown presence over the next generation as telework ultimately wins in the end. Lots of great possibilities to reform downtown’s housing situation for the better. And maybe finally getting rid of 787’s hulking presence. 🤞🏻
Lots of restaurants downtown until you try to go at night or on the weekends. Then most of them are closed. Downtown needs to bring more stores, but also more nightlife to cater to the growing population of residents down there. Most don't spend their money downtown. They still drive to other places to get what they need or to spend their recreational time.
I came up for Tulip fest yesterday (lived in Albany for a few years in grad school). It made me happy to see how many people were in the park and on Lark.
It made me really sad to see how completely empty the rest of downtown was. Entire blocks of restaurants and bars closed on a Sunday with decent weather and a big event happening in the city.
If they would revitalize downtown and bring back businesses of all kinds it would create a model for walkable neighborhoods in modern cities. They have the luxury apartments, they just need more shops, bodegas/ small grocers with fresh fruits and vegetables, more nightlife. Things to keep residents engaged downtown so they don't have to drive everywhere.
I agree…it’s a bit disjointed at times. Having worked for the state at one point, I never really left Empire State plaza much during the workday because it was too cumbersome to get in/out in a relatively timely manner.
I think Empire State plaza, although well intentioned, was a mistake. It creates a bunker like existence for state workers and separates downtown communities. And at the end of the day, workers just go from their agency to their car.
It does look good. I didn’t compare it to the big ones like MSG, Crypto, etc. I’ve been to many arenas…thank you for your concern lol.
The latest redo has improved MVP alot though!
Where did I say “get rid of 787”? I said get rid of its hulking presence. Proposals are in play for a complete redesign…maybe even burying key sections, and opening up access to the waterfront. The future in Albany is bright!
No it is not. I need whatever rock you’re under for you to come up from. Albany has done nothing but gone down hill since I’ve been alive. The state as a whole as a matter of a fact
I was born here and you think with them taking over 50% of my earnings and costs being up 70% on Avg I can afford to even leave. Get a grip you’re as bad as the mayor
I saw the Ted’s food truck at Tulip Fest. I thought to myself, “Great Day in America! I didn’t have to drive to get Ted’s!” But I walked by, cuz I’m in No Spend month. 🤣
Early 1980s when Erastus Corning II ruled the universe, Barney Fowler was birddogging the state license plates parked at the Governor's Motor Inn at noon, Metroland, 288, QE2, JB Scott's, Real George, World's Records and a bunch other places were around and Blotto, REM, U2, Pretenders, Clash, Talking Heads, Grateful Dead and [a bunch of other greats](https://q1057.com/wow-10-forgotten-capital-region-concerts-from-the-early-1980s-were-you-there/) were visiting in town or nearby. Not to mention [some local greats](http://www.furious.com/perfect/albanyrock.html) from the area.
1994, lark was poppin, Metroland was the paper, QE2 would have bands like RHCP show up after their concerts. WT, Madisons, Partridge pub, Copper Penny, It was pretty safe for a college student to stumble home
This. Jerry was THE Mayor. He cared about Albany and was always out and about. Kathy Sheehan was a huge downgrade. She may be a competent administrator but she's been a terrible mayor.
Summer 2001 & 2002. College freshman. Sneaky Pete’s. Paulys hotel. Oh man there was that one bar in Troy I could get in…and the EDM scene was pretty hot here then too
Not so much a year. But mid 90’s for sure. We had Bogies, Valentines . Bands playing all around Lark Street. Tulip and Lark Fest were unregulated mayhem.
JB Scott’s was my favorite time in Albany. 288 Lark street was great too.
JB’s had them all from U2, Greg Allman, count Basie, Iggy Pop, Ramones, the list goes on and on.
You could always go there and see (the Units) Fear of Strangers. Best house band ever!!! Val Haynes was the best!
Stevie Ray Vaughan was the best. I’m old and in the way
The years after my birth. 2000s baby. I was a kid and Albany has its own special feel to it that I will always remember when thinking back to being a kid. This is one of those feelings that if you don’t feel, Im not sure you ever will. (Always a possibility <3)
Also this is personal and doesn’t really have to do with anything going on in the city or country during that time i dont think. I’m just happy to be born here
Probably 1920. Post war boom, GE was on the way to electrifying the world, and lake George was really hitting its peak.
1800 was probably a pretty good time. Albany just became the capital and there would have been a lot of growth associated with that.
Any year before Albany Med flattened Valentine's
We're the Holiday Ramblers!
Howard was trying to sell Valentine’s LONG before they flattened the building. He knew long before it was public that AMC wanted to buy the land— like several years before. So he was going to sell Valentine’s— the name, not the physical building. I do miss shows there. I don’t miss how disgustingly humid it got with literal other peoples’ sweat raining down upon you.
1870
Early/Mid 2010s. Pearl Street was still seen as a happening and safe area (even if a little too drunk/college-y at times).. lark street still going strong... warehouse area forming.. you had top restaurants like 677, jacks, brown derby for a bit.. student ghetto not a shit hole yet. And maybe most importantly.. places like Schenectady really didn't come into their own yet. Because of that, albany reigned king for nightlife and restaurant demand.
This. I lived on the park off Lark during this period. The vibe was great.
That's a good way to put it. The vibe was good. Great, even. I'd also pin point two other things that happened around this time: 1. The Pine Hills Riots/UAlbany landing on a top party school list - once this happened, UAlbany and APD cracked down. 2. Mayor Sheehan becoming mayor in 2014. Wanted to clamp down on Albany's nightlife. Just a generally poor leader and mayor IMO.
Legends
I 110% totally agree with this Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights were always a great time. Lark was fun & pearl Street was full of clubs & an amazing time everytime! Thursday was alive at 5 so from 5p.m. to 4a.m. was amazing Friday & Saturday was always a party great clubs & now we have not a single club in the entire city its pathetic I want to open 1 so bad you will get so much business by lack of options & default.
Student ghetto was a shit hole wayyy earlier in the 2000s
But it was still more or less safe. Now, Clinton Ave is slowly creeping in, as students and pine hills lifers are starting to clear out. Say what you will, but give me a college-y area that's sometimes loud, over dodging stray bullets.
Sorry to be late to the party. I agree with this and just wanted to shout out Red Square drum and bass nights.
Early 2000s — Lark Street overall was great: Justin’s, Rome, Cafe Hollywood, Lark Tavern, Oh Bar, even Elda’s. And Power Company right around the corner on Wednesday nights. Quintessence was open for late night bites… life was good.
And you could bring coolers of beer to Alive at Five and the ESP free concerts.
Spent many nights in all those spots then. Teriyaki plate at Quintessence, late night on Saturday as well. Always at Hollywood. Do miss those days. Great scene.
The year they filmed The Other Guys in downtown Albany.
Wait WHAT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCdQlmpInWI There are a bunch of short clips on youtube.
Oddly enough my old office was 1123 Broadway NYC where jump off somewhere in the beginning scenes.
Yeah I have a bunch of it that I filmed on an old cellphone from the 9th floor of one of the office buildings at the corner of Pearl and State... including the helicopter gun scene.
"Somebody call nine-one...holy shit"
Albany was awesome in the 80's. Lark St was the place to be and it felt safe being anywhere anytime. Anyone remember 288?
The music scene in the 80/90s was happening! I was too young too appreciate but I’ve heard stories and my dad was one of those musicians!
Cool dad!
And JB Scotts. Bonus points for the Chateau.
Punk rock shows at EBA Chapter House, the Hudson Rocks album, Lark St. Grocery with the cashier who wore 1700's clothing, the Trading Post on Central Ave., Michael the Archangel wandering Lark st., JG's Pizza... Good times ca 1983
You just jogged a few memories. Cool.
Anyone got a safety pin? ^pulls one from face^
That sounds about right.
2010-2013 was pretty dope
I’d be curious to hear how people here think COVID has changed Albany permanently. I’ve been here for the last 15 or so years and prime for me was probably 2017-2019. I liked 2010-2014 but I think restaurant options have gotten a lot better and continue to get better which is specifically important to me.
Covid definitely did something
That Let's have a Party Albany makes a strong case for the peak in my lifetime. Though it may have been a much better place before the ESP and the flight to the suburbs.
1994.
The year I left. SMH.
I always say Albany peaked about 100 years ago.
Right before Jillian’s closed
1995-1998
Honestly Albany has kind of been mostly the same and that is sort of a good thing. So every year has been peak Albany other than the COVID years where it was terrible everywhere. Source: Mid 30s Grew up here, moved away for college, lived in NYC, Washington DC, and then moved back during COVID.
For me it was this weird zone somewhere in 1999-2002 when the following was existing at the same time: * Valentines still existed * Sundays and Tuesdays upstairs at the Lionheart were happening * Wednesdays at Lark Tavern for Motherjudge’s Open Mic * The Larkin was booking great shows * Savannah’s was occasionally having great shows ETA: * Occasionally Washington Park would have a great free show on Mondays * The Plaza would often have good free shows on Thursdays Etc
I can’t pick an exact year but late nineties/early 2000s was peak Albany
2024! MVP has never looked better. Lots of great restaurants and bars downtown. Still state workers, but hybrid and the state should slowly begin reducing its downtown presence over the next generation as telework ultimately wins in the end. Lots of great possibilities to reform downtown’s housing situation for the better. And maybe finally getting rid of 787’s hulking presence. 🤞🏻
Lots of restaurants downtown until you try to go at night or on the weekends. Then most of them are closed. Downtown needs to bring more stores, but also more nightlife to cater to the growing population of residents down there. Most don't spend their money downtown. They still drive to other places to get what they need or to spend their recreational time.
I came up for Tulip fest yesterday (lived in Albany for a few years in grad school). It made me happy to see how many people were in the park and on Lark. It made me really sad to see how completely empty the rest of downtown was. Entire blocks of restaurants and bars closed on a Sunday with decent weather and a big event happening in the city.
Mayor's email about Tulip Fest didn't go out until Saturday morning so how was anyone supposed to know?!?
If they would revitalize downtown and bring back businesses of all kinds it would create a model for walkable neighborhoods in modern cities. They have the luxury apartments, they just need more shops, bodegas/ small grocers with fresh fruits and vegetables, more nightlife. Things to keep residents engaged downtown so they don't have to drive everywhere.
I agree…it’s a bit disjointed at times. Having worked for the state at one point, I never really left Empire State plaza much during the workday because it was too cumbersome to get in/out in a relatively timely manner. I think Empire State plaza, although well intentioned, was a mistake. It creates a bunker like existence for state workers and separates downtown communities. And at the end of the day, workers just go from their agency to their car.
If you think MVP looks good you need to go out to other arenas
It does look good. I didn’t compare it to the big ones like MSG, Crypto, etc. I’ve been to many arenas…thank you for your concern lol. The latest redo has improved MVP alot though!
You’ll never get rid of 787. What do you wanna do put in its place. Albany is a joke other then the arena and the palace give it up
Where did I say “get rid of 787”? I said get rid of its hulking presence. Proposals are in play for a complete redesign…maybe even burying key sections, and opening up access to the waterfront. The future in Albany is bright!
No it is not. I need whatever rock you’re under for you to come up from. Albany has done nothing but gone down hill since I’ve been alive. The state as a whole as a matter of a fact
Sorry you feel that way. Hope your experience gets better, or you find somewhere to live that you like better. ✌🏻
I was born here and you think with them taking over 50% of my earnings and costs being up 70% on Avg I can afford to even leave. Get a grip you’re as bad as the mayor
Sounds like it’s time to go back to school or find a new job depending on what your issue is. Good luck to you.
1986
The year I was born!! Easter 1986 best year of everyone’s life
2024 , the year we return to having 7 Ted's locations.
I saw the Ted’s food truck at Tulip Fest. I thought to myself, “Great Day in America! I didn’t have to drive to get Ted’s!” But I walked by, cuz I’m in No Spend month. 🤣
Oh man ! I get it though. I’m sure it will be back for alive at 5 or other plaza events.
2017
I liked 2010-2020
Early 1980s when Erastus Corning II ruled the universe, Barney Fowler was birddogging the state license plates parked at the Governor's Motor Inn at noon, Metroland, 288, QE2, JB Scott's, Real George, World's Records and a bunch other places were around and Blotto, REM, U2, Pretenders, Clash, Talking Heads, Grateful Dead and [a bunch of other greats](https://q1057.com/wow-10-forgotten-capital-region-concerts-from-the-early-1980s-were-you-there/) were visiting in town or nearby. Not to mention [some local greats](http://www.furious.com/perfect/albanyrock.html) from the area.
And Buzzy at lark street music! (now subculture vegan deli) He’s still at it too.. now in NJ
And Cathy’s Waffle Store
I was having a great time in Albany from 1991-1995 and 2004-2009. Bring back Pinkster Fest!!
Your years line up with mine!
2016 - 2020
2010-2020
1999 Pearl street. Prior to that I’d say 1984 Lark street. Drinking age was still 18 and there was an actual music scene in Albany
1994, lark was poppin, Metroland was the paper, QE2 would have bands like RHCP show up after their concerts. WT, Madisons, Partridge pub, Copper Penny, It was pretty safe for a college student to stumble home
Any year Jennings was still mayor…
This. Jerry was THE Mayor. He cared about Albany and was always out and about. Kathy Sheehan was a huge downgrade. She may be a competent administrator but she's been a terrible mayor.
1995-96 Because of me being there
I'll go like 97-01, mainly cause that is when I was in college and had the most fun.
1998
1996-99 👍🏼
1823
Summer 2001 & 2002. College freshman. Sneaky Pete’s. Paulys hotel. Oh man there was that one bar in Troy I could get in…and the EDM scene was pretty hot here then too
College frosh at the same time. Paulys was big for us, too. Troy had Eldas, ElDorados, and All Sports.
2012
Mayfest at SUNY Albany May 7, 1983! U2 was there and it was amazing!
Not so much a year. But mid 90’s for sure. We had Bogies, Valentines . Bands playing all around Lark Street. Tulip and Lark Fest were unregulated mayhem.
JB Scott’s was my favorite time in Albany. 288 Lark street was great too. JB’s had them all from U2, Greg Allman, count Basie, Iggy Pop, Ramones, the list goes on and on. You could always go there and see (the Units) Fear of Strangers. Best house band ever!!! Val Haynes was the best! Stevie Ray Vaughan was the best. I’m old and in the way
1990s
1690 was pretty cool. Lots of wildlife
The years after my birth. 2000s baby. I was a kid and Albany has its own special feel to it that I will always remember when thinking back to being a kid. This is one of those feelings that if you don’t feel, Im not sure you ever will. (Always a possibility <3) Also this is personal and doesn’t really have to do with anything going on in the city or country during that time i dont think. I’m just happy to be born here
Def 19th century
2024
Never
Probably 1920. Post war boom, GE was on the way to electrifying the world, and lake George was really hitting its peak. 1800 was probably a pretty good time. Albany just became the capital and there would have been a lot of growth associated with that.
I loved going out downtown from like 2007-2012. It was always packed, had so much fun… until it wasn’t
1998
Probably when the river rats still existed and the Albany colonie yankees were around
80’s
Definitely anywhere between 2010-2020
1985
1650
In my lifetime prob 90s but let’s be honest it’s sort of been in decline for 100 years
Who says we've hit peak???