Looking for the best place to spend Halloween in Albany this weekend!?!

What: 1st Annual Masquerade Ball
Where: Washington Ave Armory
When: Friday October 31, 2008 at 8:00pm

Hosts: Danielle Brown and Brian Palazzolo
Reservations: Call Leanne 518-229-5109

For a real Hollywood style experience, join us at the Washington Avenue Armory. This is an exclusive Halloween bash! Festivities include finger foods from Classe Catering, specialty spirits including devil-tinis, a DJ to get your pulse beating, and a variety of entertainers!

Tickets are $25 per person. This includes (2) drink tickets, food, and entertainment.

Come dressed as your favorite Hollywood trainwreck and receive a complimentary devil-tini.

Reservations are necessary! Call Leanne to get on the list of the hottest party around!

Special discounts for this event at the following locations:
First Impressions Boutique
Downtown Albany Hampton Inn
Premiere Transporation Group
(Must mention “Masquerade Ball” to receive discount!)

Please note: 21 and over ONLY - Please bring your ID’s!
On-street parking is available as well as an additional lot in the rear of the Armory.

Do not wait to get in on this Halloween party! This is going to be a good one!

Albany Alive will be there taking pictures of the hottest costumes and best looks! Dress to impress!

On November 11, 2008 the City of Albany Presents the Annual City of Albany Veterans Day Parade sponsored by the Tri-County Council of Viet Nam Era Veterans.  The Chapter has been an official contingent in the parade for about 10 years.  Parade steps off at 11AM at Central Ave and Partridge Street and proceeds east on Central to Washington Ave, ending by the State Capitol.

New Year’s Eve Celebration!!

Looking for something to do around the Capital Region for New Year’s Night Celebrations?  Well we have some places for you to check out.  It’s time to have fun and CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR’S!!

Downtown:

Envy Lounge:  Bring in the New Year with FLY 92.3 DJ’s Tanch and Marissa at Envy in Downtown Albany!!  With a Champaign toast at midnight, $2 Coors Light, $3 wine selection, and $4 red bull drinks!  DJ Playground in the mix!  Call 694-ENVY for bottle service or booth reservation! +21 Event with Proper I.D. and Dress Code.

Savannah’s Night Club:  Rock out to 2009 with a New Year’s bash!  Come party with I.M.I. and Q103.  Savannah’s will also be giving out $100 an hour from 8pm till 1am!  As usual food and drink specials.  +21 Event with Proper I.D. and Dress Code.

Blue82 Lounge:  This is a Special Event of the year with a Private Party by Blue82.  Contact Blue82 for further details of how you can celebrate New Year’s with style and class.

Pure Ultra Lounge:  You can choose your night here.  You have the Ultimate VIP Package (Full Access) of $75, which includes Food Buffet, Open Top Shelf Selections, Complimentary Champagne Toast.  Or you can choose a nightclub setting with a $10 Cover, $2 Coors and Mixed Drinks (Ladies are free before Midnight under Silver package).  Either way you make the night!  +21 Event with Proper I.D. and Dress Code.

Lark Street:

Elda’s On Lark:  No cover with complimentary appetizers, noise makers, hats and tiaras.  Of course there will be a Champagne Toast at midnight and dance music all night long.  There will be drink specials only 2009 can handle with $2 Domestic, $3 Imports, $4 Well Shots, $5 Ketel One, Absolut, Stoli and Captain Drinks. $5 Well Martini’s, Cosmos, and Mixed Drinks, $5 Casarsa Wines by the glass.  +21 With Proper ID and Dress Code.

Uptown:

Albany’s Hottest Parties at Alibi’s:  Contact Albany’s Hottest Parties for tickets to one of uptown’s hottest New Year’s Parties at Alibi’s.  HUGE Drinks Specials, Champange Toast at Midnight, Appetizers and Hor’Dovours  from 10pm-12am, Party Favors, Hats, and Noisemakers.  Music being spun by DJ David Ali and DJ Capital.

Albany Alive would like to wish you a happy and safe New Year’s celebration!  Please don’t drink and drive!  You can go out in style by Limo.  Make your night even more special with that money you save with a limo ride.  Contact Premiere Transportation Group, gather up some friends and take a night out on the town in style! Premiere Transportation Group has a large variety of vehicles including: limousines, sedans, vans, and coaches! Tell them AlbanyAlive.com sent you!

We also made a list of local cab numbers to help you have a safe holiday! Put them in your cell phone now, so you don’t have to remember later.

• Yellow Cab, 518-434-2222
• Capitaland Taxi, 518-426-1405
• Buzzy’s Taxi, 518-433-8888
• Tri City Taxi, 518-453-8888
• Eagle Taxi, 518-365-1209
• Duffy’s Taxi, 518-433-8400
• Green & White Taxi, 518-455-8888
• City Cab, 518-465-5555

Happy New Year’s from Alive Entertainment, LLC and AlbanyAlive.com!

Check out the store catalog, Illco Clothing Website, Illco Clothing MySpace, and a coupon for 100 custom T-shirts.

You are invited to join Envy Lounge of Albany for it’s 2nd Year Anniversary Celebration tonight!

Saturday, October 25th, 2008
8pm - 11pm

• Complimentary buffet and hors d’oeuvres
• Bar Specials
• 5 Cosmos and Appletinis
• 3 Imported Bottles
• 5 Premium Cocktails

Envy Lounge 55 N. Pearl Street. Albany NY
518.694.3698

Albany Alive will be out taking photos! See you there!

Albany’s 17th Annual Columbus Parade & Italian Festival is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in Upstate New York, recognizing the contributions and the heritage of Italian-Americans, in conjunction with the national holiday celebrating the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.

The Parade steps of at 1pm on Saturday, October 11, from Ontario Street and Western Ave.  It will then continue down Western over Robin Street and into Washington Park.  Leading this year’s parade as Honorary Grand Marshal is Albany’s Fire Chief Robert C. Forezzi, Sr.  After the parade, an authentic Italian Festival is underway by the Washington Park Lake House with food, music, dancing, crafters, cultural displays and even a gondola in Washington Park Lake.  The festival will feature a new Zona Bambini — a Kids Zone — where children will be able to make masks, sing Italian songs, color, learn how to play Italian card games. There will be bocce and soccer demonstrations, pony rides, Roman Riding demonstrations and a fire dance!

The 2008 festival features a special tribute to Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, under the direction of Albany’s Park Playhouse “Sweet Dreams” concert.  There will be a special performance of the all-new Henry Hudson and Friends Puppet Show, from the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Sponsors of Albany’s 17th Annual Columbus Parade & Italian Festival include the Lia Auto Group, HSBC, Times Union, the City of Albany, Albany’s Italian American Community Center, West Albany Italian Benevolent Society and Roma Intangible Lodge #215 Order of Sons of Italy in America, with the support of many businesses and community organizations in the Capital Region.

For immediate release:

For the past three years Alive Entertainment, LLC (A.E.) of Albany NY has owned and operated AlbanyAlive.com, a popular website with thousands of photographs that promote Capital Region concerts, events, festivals, and nightlife. Today, marks the official launch of www.AliveEntertainment.biz, A.E.’s new company website, unveiling the local face behind the major dot com.

A.E. is bringing affordability back to Albany, offering a variety of fresh services at prices that will not break even the tightest of budgets. Utilizing experiential marketing and the Internet, A.E. will connect brands with consumers in the 21-35 age demographic in the NY Capital Region.

What does this expansion mean for AlbanyAlive.com? The website is only going to get bigger and better, according to A.E. More local businesses will be getting involved, and more area events will be covered in the near future.

You are cordially invited to visit the new Alive Entertainment website or contact them directly.

Envy Lounge Stocking Stuffer Holiday Party:

Saturday, December 13th, 2008

When the sun sets in Downtown Albany, a green glow emerges from an elite restaurant.  A light that makes you stare.  You see the hottest people with the coolest drinks.  You hear the sound of music thumping and beating through.  A feeling of Envy overwhelms you.  Why?  Cause you are on the outside looking in.

Well don’t stand on the outside anymore!  Come be a part of what makes others envious of you at Envy Lounge.  The hottest crowd, the coolest drinks, and the music that makes you dance.

Kick off your Holiday Parties at Envy Lounge! Santa will be there with his sexy little helpers for you to tell him how good or naughty you have been. DJ Playground will be spinning and the bartenders will be serving Santa’s Secret Specials all night long. And just to make this event add more cheer to your holidays, there will be prizes, stocking stuffers, and giveaways too!

This is a 21+ event! Proper I.D. Required! Don’t Drink and Drive! Respect the Neighborhood! N/A Drinks are Available Too!

Come and enjoy your holidays they way it should be.

Envy Lounge
55 N. Pearl Street
Albany, NY
518-694-3689

If you are looking for something that hits hard or is soft as silk Envy Lounge has your night planned.  Brawn and Beauty come together with two great events in one night.  First for the Men…

UFC Throwback Night - 8pm to 10pm

Envy Lounge will be showing Classic and Current UFC Fights.  There will be an action packed food buffet, heavy hitting drink specials, and the hottest ring-side girls!  Plus…

MEET UFC FIGHTER, MATT HAMMIL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then for the Ladies…

Victoria Secret Pink Party - 10pm to 4am

The first 50 people through the door will receive a complimentary gift bag from Victoria Secrets and there will also be another 50 gift bags handed out during the night!  Great Drink Specials Include: $1 Bud Lights, $2 Mixed Drinks, and $3 Champagne Flutes. +21 to Drink with Proper ID.

When the sun sets in Downtown Albany, a green glow emerges from an elite restaurant.  A light that makes you stare.  You see the hottest people with the coolest drinks.  You hear the sound of music thumping and beating through.  A feeling of Envy overwhelms you.  Why?  Cause you are on the outside looking in. 

Well don’t stand on the outside anymore!  Come be a part of what makes others envious of you at Envy Lounge.  The Hottest Crowd, the Coolest Drinks, and the Music that makes you dance.

Envy Lounge
5 N. Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12207

518-694-ENVY

We just wanted to thank all of you that came out for Jesse Bonanno’s CD Release Party this past Saturday night. It was a fun event and the live music brought a brand new atmosphere to Envy Lounge. Hopefully you are enjoying Jesse’s new EP Check Please and are ready for the upcoming new year.

Stay tuned for tomorrow: We will be posting some great New Years Eve options for you. If you are one of those last minute type of people, don’t look any further. We will let you know what’s going on and where. We will also hook you up with some cab numbers so you can get a safe ride home.

We hope you all enjoyed the holiday season and are ready to start 2009 big. We have some major things we will be announcing over the next few months.

Once again, happy holidays!

We hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween weekend!

Thank you to all of you that came out to the Washington Avenue Armory for the Masquerade Ball on Friday. It was a wild evening of deadly sins and lavish entertainment.

If you missed out on the event, be sure to view the photos!

Also check out all the costumes we caught on camera! We were out all weekend long and there are hundreds of photos to see!

We just wanted to wish everyone a very happy and safe Holiday! We hope to see you all out this Saturday for Albany Winterfest 2008! Blake Lewis, Chris Sligh, and Brandon Rogers from season 6 of American Idol will be performing at the Palace Theatre from 1:00PM - 3:00PM. Oh and did we mention there will be fireworks at Winterfest too!!

Following Winterfest we invite you to join as for more great music at Jesse Bonanno’s CD Release Party at Envy Lounge from 7:00PM - 11:00PM. Jesse is a Colonie NY native and is coming home to the Capital Region to share his music success with local fans. All guests that attend the event get a copy of his new EP, Check Please.

Come see why Fox News, B95.5, ASF Radio, and the Ion Network have all featured Jesse Bonanno! Help us finish out 2008 strong by coming out this Saturday!

If you don’t have plans for New Years, stay tuned! We will be updating the site with some New Years Eve options and specials going on locally.

If you are drinking, please arrange a dedicated driver or call a cab! Stay safe and warm!

Happy Holidays!

Masquerade Ball, Washington Ave Armory, Albany, this Friday!

Jesse Bonanno, a Colonie NY native, is coming back to the Capital Region to celebrate his latest album and success as a growing musician. Join AlbanyAlive.com by welcoming Jesse home this Saturday, December 27th, 2008 at Envy Lounge from 7:00PM to 11:00PM for a release party with live performances and a DJ for in between acts. All guests through the door will receive a copy of Jesse’s new EP, Check Please.

There will be $15 bottles of champagne and drink specials all night long to help you prepare for New Years Eve! After the party is over, feel free to stay and dance the night away like any normal Saturday night at Envy Lounge.

Come see why Fox News, B95.5, ASF Radio, and the Ion Network have all featured Jesse Bonanno! It’s a great reason to get downtown earlier, plus you get a copy of his new CD!

Listen to Jesse on MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/jessebonanno

Jesse’s Website:
http://jessebonanno.com

Pre-order tickets for $12: (includes his new CD)
Pre-order tickets here.

Pay at the door for $14 (includes his new CD)

McGeary’s Oktoberfest noon to 6pm with an after party following the Trey Anastasio concert at the Palace Theatre.

Music by The Heaters.

Did you miss the Albany Oktoberfest on the Empire State Plaza yesterday? Have no fear, we have two big nights of Oktoberfest waiting for you today and Saturday in downtown Albany!

McGeary’s Oktoberfest starts tonight right after work with FridayFest! Tomorrow is the full fledged Oktoberfest party! This is a second reminder for you to join us to help support a good cause while partying the night away! All proceeds from McGeary’s Oktoberfest will be donated to the Albany Police and Fire Foundation!

Tonight, opening act Jeff Strange returns to McGeary’s to set the tone for Oktoberfest, followed by local favorite the Audiostars, who are sure to light up the McGeary’s party tent!

Tomorrow Oktoberfest continues with more fun and live music. The Heaters will be playing your favorite rock n’ roll and dance music all night long!

AlbanyAlive.com will be at Oktoberfest both tonight and tomorrow taking pictures! No need to weigh yourself down with a camera, just find a photographer for a FREE photo at the event!

See you there!

Downtown Albany’s Restaurant Week is back!

Looking to go out to a nice place with friends or someone special, but think about the prices of meals?  Well here is a chance to dine out and not worry about spending a whole lot.

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) is pleased to bring back the Capital District’s first - and still the best - Restaurant Week from Monday, September 22 through Saturday September 27!  In celebration of the upcoming Quadricentennial and the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson´s historic voyage, Restaurant Week gives patrons a chance to experience three-course meals at some of the region’s greatest dining establishments. 19 downtown restaurants will offer fixed-price, three-course dinner menus valued at $35 for the low price of $20.09.

Participating in September’s Restaurant Week are Albany Mansion Hill Inn, Albany Pump Station, Bayou Café, Café Capriccio, Envy Lounge, Franklin’s Tower, Hudson Harbor Steak & Seafood, Jack’s Oyster House, Jillian’s of Albany, Kelsey’s Irish Pub, La Serre, Marche at 74 State, Nicole’s Bistro, Pearl Restaurant & Lounge, Pearl Street Public House (formerly Pagliacci’s), Savannah’s, V&R, Victory Café and Webster’s Corner.

Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made by calling individual restaurants outside the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For your convenience here are the fall 2008 restaurant week menus, and contact information for participating restaurants:

Albany Mansion Hill Inn Menu
115 Philip St
Albany, NY 12202
(518) 465-2038

Albany Pump Station Menu
19 Quackenbush Sq
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 447-9000

Bayou Café Menu
79 N Pearl St
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 426-8550

Café Capriccio Menu
49 Grand St
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 465-0439

Envy Lounge Menu
55 N. Pearl St.
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 694-3689

Franklin’s Tower Menu
414 Broadway
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 431-1920

Hudson Harbor Steak and Seafood Menu
351 Broadway
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 426-5000

Jack’s Oyster House Menu
42 State St
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 465-8854

Jillian’s of Albany Menu
59 N Pearl St
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 432-1997

Kelsey’s Irish Pub Menu
30 Lodge St
Albany, NY
(518) 462-8192

La Serre Menu
14 Green St
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 463-6056

Marche at 74 State Menu
74 State Street
Albany, NY
(518) 434-7410

Nicole’s Bistro Menu
25 Quackenbush Sq # 1
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 465-1111

Pearl Restaurant and Lounge Menu
1 Steuben Pl
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 433-0011

Pearl Street Public House Menu
44 South Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 447-4625

Savannah’s Menu
1 S Pearl St
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 426-9647

V&R Italian Restaurant Menu
136 Madison Ave
Albany, NY 12202
(518) 626-0001

Victory Café Menu
10 Sheridan Ave
Albany, NY 12207
(518) 463-9113

Webster’s Corner Menu
30 Lodge St
Albany, NY
(518) 462-8192

So explore Downtown Albany - the perfect place to wine and dine! Award-winning restaurants, casual pubs, sidewalk cafes and lunchtime eateries offer many delicious options for all tastes and occasions.

Make your night even more special with that money you save with a limo ride.  Contact Premiere Transportation Group, gather up some friends and take a night out on the town in style! Premiere Transportation Group has a large variety of vehicles including: limousines, sedans, vans, and coaches! Tell them AlbanyAlive.com sent you and get an extra hour of service free with a purchase of 3 hours! Buy 3 hours, get 1 free!

Thanksgiving eve is the kickoff of the Holiday Season and everyone will be out celebrating with friends of old, new, and family.  A night that anywhere you go, you know there will be a great party.

So do you want to know where to be tonight?  Check it out:

Envy Lounge - Well, how would you think all the other turkeys would think about this bird tonight?  That’s right, with Envy.  With DJ Playground spinning the hottest beats, the bartenders serving the coolest drinks, combined you have the Thanksgiving Eve party of the year.  Come be a part of what makes others envious of you at Envy Lounge.

Elda’s On Lark - Thanksgiving Eve Bash: Looking for great taste and a different place to see family and friends for Thanksgiving Eve?  Well Elda’s on Lark presents an event just for you and everyone you know.  Serving Dinner and a Late Night Menu, and Great Drink Specials so that you can enjoy Thanksgiving Eve at its best.  Eat, Drink, Dance all day because the Dinning Room will become the Lounge All Day and All Night! 4pm-4am

Savannah’s Nightclub - Rocking Thanksgiving Eve: Wanting to rock out this Thanksgiving Eve?  Savannah’s brings you a night of music and entertainment.  First, live, Philip Meatbox will rock the house with great hits and a show for the ages.  Then enter the club with Nick Papa G spinning the beats that will make you dance all night long. 9pm-4am

Blue 82 - Normally Blue 82 would test your knowledge on this night, but tonight they want you to sit back, relax, and celebrate Thanksgiving Eve with friends and family.  With the best tasting cocktails and martinis, you can turn on your taste buds tonight for your turkey dinner tomorrow.

Pure Ultra Lounge - Flip Your Bird Bash: Join DJ Motion and Flip the Bird this Thanksgiving Eve.  You have a chance to win prizes.  Of course there will be drink and shot specials all night long. 11pm-4am

Albany Alive would like to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving Eve celebration!  Please don’t drink and drive! Take the time to arrange a dedicated ride home, or call a cab. We have made a list of local cab numbers to help you have a safe holiday! Put them in your cell phone now, so you don’t have to remember later.

• Yellow Cab, 518-434-2222
• Capitaland Taxi, 518-426-1405
• Buzzy’s Taxi, 518-433-8888
• Tri City Taxi, 518-453-8888
• Eagle Taxi, 518-365-1209
• Duffy’s Taxi, 518-433-8400
• Green & White Taxi, 518-455-8888
• City Cab, 518-465-5555

Check out the store catalog, Illco Clothing Website, Illco Clothing MySpace, and a coupon for 100 custom T-shirts.

Veterans Day 2008

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.

From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation’s ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America’s veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.

Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom’s defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America’s veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

-GEORGE W. BUSH-

On November 11, 2008 the City of Albany Presents the Annual City of Albany Veterans Day Parade sponsored by the Tri-County Council of Viet Nam Era Veterans.  The Chapter has been an official contingent in the parade for about 10 years.  Parade steps off at 11AM at Central Ave and Partridge Street and proceeds east on Central to Washington Ave, ending by the State Capitol.