Winter WonderLark

Winter WonderLark 2012 was a great success!

Festival visitors enjoyed the outdoor holiday market and the delicious treats from Chefs Consortium.


The gingerbread funshop was a huge hit with the kids and adults alike!

Sax O Claus was seen strolling up and down lark serenading Winter WonderLark attendees.

Everyone’s favorite race in Albany, Santa Speedo Sprint, took off at 2pm and raised laughs, spirits as well as money for the Albany Damien Center and Albany Med HIV/AIDS.

The Lark Street BID held their first ever scavenger hunt. Participants were seen scouring Lark Street for answers to local businesses fun facts. There was also a raffle at the BID’s booth that included over 12 prizes featuring Lark Street businesses.

Last minute note...If you are looking for a souvenir from Winter WonderLark, mugs are available to purchase at larkstreet.org. They are great gift ideas for last minute holiday shoppers!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the success of Winter WonderLark 2012!

Parking Notice for Art on Lark

NOTICE:

RESTRICTED PARKING & ACCESS

Art on Lark 2012

Please be advised of StreetClosures for Art on Lark: 7am to 8pm, Saturday, June 9th :

         Lark St (Between Washington and Madison)

  Lancaster St (Between Lark and Willet)
 Hudson Ave (Between Lark and Willet)

                         State St (Between Lark and Willett – Localtraffic only between Henry Johnson  Blvd and Willet, hard closure at Willett)

Parking Restrictions: 8am to 5pm,Saturday, June 9th:

                Lark St (Both sides from Washingtonto Madison)

           Lancaster  St (Both sides from Lark to Willett)

                       Hudson  Ave (3 spaces each side going East from Lark to Dove)

  State St  (Both sides from Lark to Willett)

Tag & Tow will begin at 6:00am on Saturday, June 9th

Please have your vehicles off of the above mentioned streets before 6:00am.

Thank you,

Lark Street BID

Art on Lark Performer Biographies!

Mike Grutka

Mike Grutka has a sound like no other. The Saratoga Springs based musician wishes to share his message with the world. His music has become increasingly hopeful and inspirational after the death of his mother. After her young death, he now tells himself, “You’ve got to do this now. No one else is going to do it for you”. This attitude helped him release February Sessions, which he believes will be his most successful album yet. Grutka describes his sound as “acoustic based funky modern roots rock-n-roll.” The power and energy in his music will move you as it carries a strong message: never give up hope.

Ashton Williams Band

The Ashton Williams Band is composed of five incredibly talented members known for making covers of popular 90’s songs. Keith Dobbs, Adam Carey, Chris Duffy, Mike Hugo and Andrew Lasher make up the Indie rock/ alternative band. Based in Schenectady, the band is eager to share their talent with the world. Aside from recreating 90’s rock songs, they have three exciting alternative original pieces that they plan to debut at Art on Lark.

Betsi Krisniski

Betsi is all about standing out and being different. She describes her lyrics as “experimental poetry with wit” and her sound as “alternative-tuning” harmony. Her music is experimental in both the metaphorical and literal sense: she writes about chemistry and failing physics, inspired by her being a chemistry major in college. Her unique sound and music topics will capture your attention and surely make you smile. As much as she wants to share her talent with the world, she does not long for attention. After all, words Krisniski lives by are “Once you stop looking for acceptance, you are forever immune to rejection.”

 Matthew Carefully

Mathew Carefully is a gifted musician from Upstate New York known for merging modern sounds with traditional instruments. He frequently uses the mandolin, banjo, acoustic/electric guitars, drums and percussion instruments. His innovative “sound marrying” technique is a refreshing spin on both modern and traditional sounding music as it merges the two into one sound. Carefully also is a speedy songwriter- he sends new songs to his friends every week and recorded an entire album in one month.

Babe City

Being a brand new band doesn’t mean they’re any less awesome. Babe City is a band based in the Capital District and is made up of four young and talented women: Olivia Quillio, Mary Leigh Roohan, Meaghan Duffy and Caroline Corrigan. Prior to forming the band they were all independent performers. As a band, they put spins on their own songs and do covers of already popular songs. As they like to say, “Get weird with us” at Art on Lark.

The College Farm

The three man band known as The College Farm is consisted of Andrew Pelletier, Matthew Pelletier and Josh Herzog. The band is currently on tour around the Capital District. Their folk rock music about ghost stories and love legends is both thrilling and unique. The College Farm has already created one phenomenal album titled Northeast of Nowhere. Their lyrics will catch your attention, while the passion and power of it will move you.

Art on Lark!

Albany's Arts Festival, Art on Lark, will be held Saturday, June 9th! Come join the Lark Street Business Improvement District and the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) for a day filled with vibrant art and music in support for the local arts community.  

This arts festival encompasses a green theme wherein environmental awareness, clean air initiatives, and the three Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle) are celebrated. Artist-led projects selected for the event range from public transportation advocacy-inspired to sculptures constructed from reused neighborhood materials. The Capital Districts very own, Chip Fasciana, will be constructing a mock shelter harvested from recycled bus and shelter materials. This one of a kind project represents the community-level dedication to art and environment.

New to the festival is the Yarn Bombing project by local fibre artists. For those of you that don't yet know about the work of world's young fibre artists, this should be an enchanting experience! All around the world these craftsman are combing street graffiti with knitted patterns of yarn, making breathtaking installations over everything from billboards to buildings. Art on Lark will feature locally constructed installations that capture the beauty of the growing form of urban art.

Local musicians have been selected to perform at Art on Lark, making this an event you don't want to miss!  EXIT 97.7fm, WEXT presents The Music Stage 2012 lineup:

Ashton Williams Band
Mike Grutka
Betsi Krisniski
Matthew Carefully
The College Farm
Babe City

Come down to Lark Street between Madison Avenue and Washington Avenue on Saturday, June 9th for some fun in the sun, art, and awesome music. We expect to see you at Albany's premier arts festival!

Shogun Sushi Grand Opening

Lark Street BID is ecstatic to welcome its newest business, sushi restaurant, Shogun.  Already a hit at its Delmar location, Shogun is opening its second restaurant at 457 Madison Avenue.

"Owner Frank Lee possesses over 20 years of experience serving the palettes of the Capital Region in Japanese, Chinese, and American cuisine. Our promise of exquisite cuisine means Shogun's chefs offer only the freshest ingredients, from our diverse sushi and sashimi to the mouth-watering teriyaki dishes. The elegance behind our presentation only enhances the experience of entrees like perfectly battered tempura shrimp, zesty Japanese curries, and filet mignon so tender it melts in the mouth."
 
Shogun will be open for dining Tuesday, March 27th. Shogun's extensive menu has something for everyone. Treat yourself to lunch, or stop in for dinner.  Even swing by for a drink, Shogun offers a full-bar as well as take-out and catering.

Lark Streets "Best of" picks in Metroland!

It's March 8th and the Capital Region's alternative newsweekly, Metroland, has released The Readers' Poll 2012.  Whether you're looking for food, drink, art, or something new Lark Street is the prime location in the Capitol Region!  We'd like to take a moment now to acknowledge our fine local businesses that were chosen this year by you, the reader.

If it's Mexican or Southwest cuisine you're craving look no further then El Loco and Bombers, voted top three in the Capitol Region.

Congratulations to both Jewel of India on Lark and Lil' Buddha for placing third in their respective categories, Best Indian/Pakistani and Best Vegetarian!

Trying to find the perfect wine to compliment your meal?  Perhaps a romantic evening outside?  Look no further than The Wine Bar & Bistro on Lark.  Voted #1 best wine bar, #1 best wine list, #2 best restaurant to take a date, and #3 for best outdoor dining experience!

If it's ice cream you're craving after that date just walk down to Ben & Jerry's.  The #3 best ice cream around!

In the mood for wings?  Maybe you're low on cash?  Either way Bombers Burrito Bar placed #1 in best cheap eats and #2 for best wings in the Capitol Region!

The Lark Street Flower Market once again proved they are the #1 florist in the Capitol Region.  Congratulations!

All your cycling needs will undoubtedly be met at The Downtube Cycle Shop, the #1 bicycle shop in the area!

Pastime Legends Video Games is the perfect fit for gaming enthusiasts young and old!  Voted #1 in all the land for best video game store.

Looking for your happy hour scene?  Justin's on Lark was voted #2 best happy hour around!

Stop by the Oh Bar for a drink on their fabulous patio.  Voted #1 best gay bar in the Capitol Region!

Grab some friends and make up a clever team name this Tuesday for trivia night and cheap beers.  Congratulations to Bombers Burrito Bar for being voted #1 Trivia Night in the area!

Not enough art in your life?  Well, Lark Street is the most creative and inspired neighborhood in the Capitol Region!  The Upstate Artist Guild was voted #3 best art gallery!  1st Friday and our very own Art on Lark were voted in the top three for best art event around!  Awesome!

Finally, we'd like to congratulate Metroland for being voted #1 best local publication and #1 best local arts coverage.  Also, a special thanks to Metroland and it's readers for acknowledging our dedicated and hard working local businesses! 

"Buying Locally Builds Community"

Never forget the importance of buying locally.  As Visions Magazine highlights in their recent article on the effects of buying locally, the Capital District has an abundance of opportunities for shops, restaurants and businesses to thrive. Buying locally isn't just beneficial for you, it supports the entire community and boosts the local economy. Lark Street BID executive director Mary Spinelli, quoted below, understands the significance of buying locally.

"Studies have shown that when you buy local, a much higher percentage of your money stays local and is reinvested in community through jobs and purchasing of local goods. Local businesses are owned and operated by people who have a vested interest in the vibrancy and viability of the area." By golly, I think she's got it!

The Visions article shows that a study of ten local businesses in Chicago boasted a 68% cash return to the local economy, whereas only 43% of money spent at a chain store remained local.  Think of it this way, "if you spend $20 at Shop A, that shop owner will likely go across the street and buy lunch from Cafe B. Local residents who are employed at Cafe B take their paychecks and buy gifts from Shop A. Local spending is cyclical and spurs community growth and spirit," says Elizabeth Young, executive director of Downtown Troy BID.

Remember this next time your hungry for a bite, or need to do some shopping.  Lark Street is a mecca of unique shops and restaurants.  Looking for a creative gift? Visit Elissa Halloran's shop.  Jonesing for a cup of coffee? Pop over to the Daily Grind.  Check our our website for a comprehensive list of all of Lark Street's businesses.

"When businesses are both buying and hiring locally, they reinforce the belief in the quality of local talent  as well as the quality of local products," says Spinelli.  Local talent and quality products are not hard to find in the Lark Street neighborhood.

The eclectic nature of Lark Street, not to mention exceptional areas like downtown Troy and Saratoga won't leave you disappointed. So get out of the mall and into the neighborhood!

Robert H. Jackson Albany Law School, Class of 1912

In 2012 we celebrate Robert H. Jackson’s Centennial anniversary since attending and graduating Albany Law School in 1912.  Prior to graduating from Albany Law, becoming U.S. Attorney General, a Supreme Court Justice and chief prosecutor of Nazi war criminals at the Nuremberg Trials following World War II; Jackson shared a tiny one bedroom apartment with two classmates at 267 Lark Street.  The Lark Street building was finished in 1850 and Jackson is listed as living at the address on a 1912 city directory. 

 

Jackson took his wife, Irene Gerhardt, ice skating in Washington Park for their first date.  The couple married on April 24, 1916, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church on State Street downtown.  Jackson had a tremendous impact as chief U.S. prosecutor in the trail against Nazi war criminals and in the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education.  It is a great honor for the Lark Street neighborhood to share a piece of history with such an accomplished and influential American like Robert H. Jackson. 

Champagne on the Park

On Thursday May 10th, the Lark Street Business Improvement District will celebrate our annual formal event which takes place in Washington Park surrounding the beautiful tulip buds.

The event will celebrate the BID's 16th anniversary and celebrate the businesses and people who have contributed to the success of the organization. Champagne on the Park is an annual fundraiser that  honors the members of the Lark Street commuity who help and support the BID to provide them resources needed for the  Lark Street community. Guests will enjoy music, dancing, great food and lets not forget the Champagne. A silent auction will take place with items from the local artists and merchants. The tickets are on sale now and are $60 for an individual or $100 per couple. Tickets can be purchased online at http://larkstreet.org/Registration/champagne_park_ticket.cfm

Lark U Business Forum

Join us this coming Tuesday, January 24 at 5:30pm for a Small Business Forum in the Trinity Church Chapel. The forum is for small business owners & managers & will feature a panel of small business experts there to answer your questions. Whether you have questions about funding, social media marketing, human resource issues, or anything else, we hope you will join us on the 24th.

This is first forum of 2012 and will offer an overview of important small business issues and resources. We are excited to be offering these forums for the second year to the small business community in Albany & hope that you will join us for the discussion and networking.

Lark U Small Business Forum:
Thursday, January 24 5:30pm
Trinity Church Chapel
   235 Lark Street Front Entrance

RSVP to bid@larkstreet.org

2012 Event Dates

2012 is here & with it a whole new year of Lark Street BID events! While we might not be celebrating any major anniversaries this year, we are still planning to go above & beyond & make this years' events even better.

Be sure to make these dates down!

Champagne on the Park -- Thursday, May 10
Art on Lark -- Saturday, June 9
LarkFEST -- Saturday, September 15
Winter WonderLARK -- Saturday, December 8

We hope to see you there!