It's Thursday everywhere and Utica, NY is one of the only places thinking about the Morning After. Saranac Thursday is a good place to find a hook up if you're single, but The Morning After is NOT a contraceptive pill for people who make bad decisions after drinkning at the Matt's Brewery. They are a band. A good band too. They have a mix of music the Saranac partygoers will enjoy. The weather is going to be good! Don't listen to your weatherman, come to the brewery where the sun is hot and the beer is cold. Drink and laugh with friends you forgot existed. Saranac Beer is like the blood of Utica, and we who drink it are all blood brothers and sisters. So please join your family for a cold crisp beer at tonights Saranac Thursday.

If you work late, or are lame and cant make it to Saranac Thursday, come out to see the Crazy Fools at the Electric Company.

Get ready for some cool music when the The Reuben James band takes the stage this week at Saranac Thursday. It will be an excellent way to start off the 4th of July holiday. As of right now the weather looks like we might get a little rain but that always seems to change so pray that the sun comes out and shines on all of the Saranac Thursday Party Goers. If it does end up raining join me over at the Electric Company on Varick Street for the acoustic sounds of Aaron Cidzick, This way you can still enjoy great tasting Saranac Beer for a discounted price, stay dry and hear some cool tunes.

Stay Tuned for more pictures coming to the site from Saranac Thursdays, and look for more coming from the Breweries Summer Concert Series, I believe the have Robert Randolph scheduled to Play on July 18th.

The brewery has The Crazy Fools scheduled to play this Saranac Thursday. The Crazy Fools are are a really cool band that plays a wide variety of music. Being named after the song "Crazy Fools" written by Sublime front man Bradly Nowell, its obvious that one of the major influences came from the band Sublime out of Southern California. I have also seen this winner of the 2003 Utica, NY - WOUR Battle of the Bands winner play lots of other music. I have heard them play excellent reproductions of songs from bands such as Ween, Phish, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Band, Eric Clapton, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Weezer, The Foo Fighters, and many more.

This is a popular band in the Utica area, I can't count how many stickers I have seen on cars in local traffic, and the countless times I have seen them rock out at The Electric Company. The Crazy Fools have a solid fan base and should bring some great energy to the Saranac Breweries stage.

But, sorry Utica, but I won't make it to Saranac Thursday tonight, and I will not be attending next weeks Saranac Thursday on June 26, 2008. I took a little vacation, I am most likely on a beach in Cape Cod drinking Utica Club that I brought with me from good ole Utica, NY. In some ways I actually miss the fact that I'm missing these 2 Saranac Thursdays. Things are just starting to get fired up at the Saranac Brewery. I will be back in town for the Saranac Thursday on July 3. See you there!

This past weekend was one for the history books! When home grown band moe. came back to Utica to blow the minds off of thousands during a two night concert series. I was a lucky one who attended both nights and I got to hear a lot of good music. Check out my moe. Saranac Brewery pictures.

Here are the set lists for both nights. Please be cool cause this is as best as I can remember.

6/13/2008 Saranac Brewery, Utica, NY

Set 1: She Sends Me> Captain America> Seat of My Pants, Deep This Time, Bring It Back Home> Wicked Awesome

Set 2: The Road> Kyle's Song, Lazarus> George> Bullet

6/14/08 Saranac Brewery, Utica, NY

Set 1: Dr. Graffenberg (NH), Akimbo, Down Boy, So Long > Not Coming Down (NH), Wormwood > 32 Things

Set 2: Where Does the Time Go? (NH), Cathedral (NH), Waiting for the Punchline, Kids

I do remember that the "Lazarus" set on the first night was sick, they kept jamming out and then bring it back to "Lazarus". I also remeber the band teasing a lot of songs on friday and then playing then on Saturday like "32 Things". I was dancing during a jam and said wait its gonna be "32 Things" I was convinced, but it was just a tease and I was thrilled to hear them play "Wicked Awesome". It wasn't till 24 hours later on Saturday when they actually played "32 Things".

I was a little hurt they didn't play "Happy Hour Hero" because it makes references to Saranac Beer. But i have heard it a tone of ties before and I caught a rumor that they had plans to play it the following Monday in NYC.

I love moe. and hope the brewery here in Utica will continue to bring them here. Their music has made a difference in my life and with so many other things that can influence us. It's nice to be influenced by music that has a positive vibe like the music of moe.

Utica New York, I know you're glad summer is here. Its the third official Saranac Thursday, second if you don't count the canceled/fire Thursday we had on the 29th of may. It was a good turn out for the brewery. It wasn't as packed as the last one, but it was chuck full of people.

The beer was flowing, and I watched the crowds hanging out in the courtyard and the front part of the event talking and having fun. I even tried to stay out there to look for a friend who said they were on the way. After a bit I didn't want to wait any longer so I went on in. What a mistake. Dont get me wrong... the beer was good, I love the brewery, but they picked a band that made the brewery unenjoyable. Gridley Paige. Now this is a cover band, They are not a good cover band either, I'm sure upon creation of the band they had talent but now they carry a bad tune in my mind. They cover typical pop songs and don't appeal to me. I truly am sorry if you're a fan but I like to say that I have good taste in music. Gridley Paige leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I mentioned this fact about the suckiness of this band to my friends at the brewery and they say "we can't seem to get rid of them, they have been here since the first Saranac Thursday and they're sort of grandfathered in." So I guess they the band and the brewery think that this band is owed a spot. But in my mind this band is only owed a wake-up call, a thank you and a goodbye. We do NOT need a crappy cover band. Especially one who is to loud and who's lead singer gets off stage and runs through the crowd all sweaty trying to get you involved with the bands crappy medleys that go from Rush to Allanis Morsette. I never want to see a dude singing a horrible chick song. If you are a band, please remember that. I wanted to leave right when I got in there. I remember at one time the singer said that some chicks were showing thier titts down front. What BS! No chicks would show thier titts to that band.

Enough about that... The band sucked but the event was a success all my friends claimed to have a good time, and so did I. I just hope the Saranac Band Picking Committee at the brewery reconsiders having entertainment that makes it impossible to hear the people next you and basically causes people to have a crappy time.

I don't know if I will be at the next Saranac Thursday because I'm going on Vacation, But I'm guessing it will rock and be the highlight of the week for the attendees.

Pictures from Saranac Thursday - June 5th 2008

Here is a slide show of some fun pictures from last weeks Saranac Thursday.

Hey, you did it. You have made it through another long cold winter in Central New York. It was tough, we didn't get enough snow to make all of you snowmobile riders thrilled to live here, and we most likely had just enough to piss off all of you who hate shoveling your snow. Either way today, when the rain didn't come like they predicted and Saranac Thursday finally set off the summer you were happy, as I was. It was one hell of a showing, tons of people came, I estimate around 4,500 Saranac Thursday party goers showed up to the courtyard and listened to Under the Gun under the sun.

Boy was the beer flowing, everyone came out to support the brewery, i saw people i haven't seen in about 11 or 12 years and even my mom was there. That's right pretty much everyone and their mother showed up to kick off the summer. Well My mom was there because were getting close to my birthday and her and my father know how much I love the event.

After the the brewery pushed everyone to the Varick Street bars, We all found out that the support for the brewery went beyond the gates at the brewery courtyard. All the bars on Varick Street were only selling Brewery Products, Saranac Beers and Utica Club. That my friend showed the heart of our city and the love we have for the FX Matt Brewery.

The Electric Company was Packed! Everyone made it in just before the rain started, and then they stayed to watch Dead Rose rock out!

I went home soon after, to get some rest and prepare for the Fridays day of work, but, man! What a way to start Saranac Thursday, What a way to start the summer.

I'm sure the whole Utica, NY area is excited about todays Saranac Thursday. I think there will be more people wanting to attend with the disaster at last weeks Saranac Thursday. The only thing that might keep people away is poor weather. As of right now, it looks pretty good, and I hope the thunder storms they are predicting hold off until at least 8pm. That way we can get out under the sun, and experience the entertainment of Under the Gun, down a couple frosty brews, and spend time with friends.

Even if we catch a little rain I know there will some that still come out in rain gear and umbrellas. Some times when it rains Saranac Thursday is even better, warm weather wet cloths and drunk people make a nice summer parfait.

Rain or shine I will be there to report on the band the attendees and any other happenings at todays Saranac Brewery festival.

After last weeks Thursday night event was canceled due to the fire. People are anxious to get out. I'm sure you are to. Last week was sad, and upset thousands of party goers. Now that the smoke blew over and the damage has been done. The word is out! The Brewery will be open for business this Thursday. I predict that while we are still in the aftermath of the fire, and the weather holds out, there will be a record breaking turn out for this weeks Saranac Thursday.

I think with a band like Under The Gun playing that there will be a few extra folks coming in from Syracuse, NY. I haven't seen This band in a few years but from what I remember they rock and have a pretty big following in Syracuse. I actually think the last place I saw them was either the Electric Co. Or a friends wedding, either way it's sort of a blur.

I hope even more people might come out this week for Saranac Thursday to show support for the brewery and let them know they are a staple in the City of Utica and how much we love having them here brewing their bubbly best.

After the Saranac brewery's fire disaster last Thursday the 29th. I was depressed. I was worried, I didn't know if my summer and favorite event of the summer would be canceled. I went to work and I talked to everyone but I could barely think of anything other than the brewery and the outcome of the fire. It wasn't until Friday night when I went down to Varick Street and spoke with some of the employees from the brewery that I felt relief. I had a million negative thoughts in my head. I was thinking this is the end of the brewery, kiss goodbye the moe. concerts, forget about a Saranac Thursday. It was then, my friend says "Jay we will be shipping kegs on Monday, We will be ready for Saranac Thursday this week, and there is no way we are canceling the summer concert series."

When I heard that I was so relieved, It was like a huge load had been lifted from my mind.

So knowing this I want to remind you that this week, June 5th 2008 is the second Saranac Thursday. Maybe its the first. since the first was canceled. Im happy it will be going on. Im happy that the summer fun isn't over. I don't really like the Bomb anyway. they think they are better than they are.

I think us Uticans have a great summer ahead of us and we should make the best out of it. Who cares if the beer tastes a little smokey.

The First Saranac Thursday was cancelled because the Brewery caught fire.

As people pulled up to party at Saranac Thursday, They noticed clouds of black smoke. The Brewery was on fire! Fire emergency units were there working to put out the blaze. Utica Police cleared Varick Street because of the toxic fumes/smoke blowing to the east from the fire.

It was a sad day. To see the brewery up in fire was shocking and it had upset lots of people. My friends and I went off and consoled each other at a bar and the only beer we drank was Utica Club, thinking it might be the last time I get to enjoy one.

With all the historic significance to the Utica area I pray that this isn't the end of the brewery. I have always supported the brewery and couldn't imagine the city with out it.

Most of you are at your job now. Sitting at your desks where work is waiting for you to do it, but the night is on your mind. You're thinking about your evening punch-out and what you're doing after work. Your mind is already at Saranac Thursday, your lips are wrapped around a Utica Club Beer and your eyes and ears are focused on enjoying the night with good friends.

You've waited all winter for this day. This day isn't all about the beer, or the music. It basically is the official day that summer begins! Its the day you start planning your summer camping trips and it's the day that you remember how much you love the outdoors. It is one of the first days that you are reminded how good the sun feels beating on your head.

Tonight is your night! I hope you all enjoy Saranac Thursday.

Yes, finally its here! After a what seems to be a never ending winter summer is going to land in Utica, NY. What a better way to kick off summer than Saranac Thursday. I'm pretty confident that if you're reading this than you are familiar with the event so I wont babble on with what its all about.

I will let you know that this first Saranac Thursday should be a good one. My weather report says us Saranac Thursday Party goers will experience a nice day with sun and tempiture in the mid 70's. The band that's playing is "The Bomb". Hopefully they can keep the party moving.

I will be there, so if i take your picture don't freak out just come and check it out on my blog. I might be limping though, my knee is a little wacked out.

I'll see you tomorrow at Saranac Thursday.

With the proven success from 10 years of success with Saranac Thursday Bands, the brewery has decided to offer a summer concert series. They actually started the concert series a few years back and brought in bands like Umphrees McGee and Dicky Betts. Those concerts were great and the Saranac Brewery has decided to get more bands to play and even began booking bigger named bands. Like moe., Blues Traveler and Rusted Root.

In 2008 the brewery has booked yet another bunch of bands for the Summer Concert Series and I think this is the year best yet. Check out the Concert Schedule Below.

Saranac Brewery Summer Concert Series

moe.
Friday June 13, 2008
Gates open 6 p.m., show starts 7 pm
Tickets to each show $26 in advance & $30 day of show. Get moe. tickets at either the Brewery Shop, Stanley Theater, Sound Garden or ticketmaster.com. www.moe.org

moe.
Saturday June 14, 2008
Gates open 6 p.m., show starts 7 pmmoe.
$26 in advance & $30 day of show. Get moe. tickets at either the Brewery Shop, Stanley Theater, Sound Garden or ticketmaster.com. www.moe.org

Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Friday July 18, 2008
Gates open 6 p.m., show starts 7 pm
Tickets are $22 in advance, $26 day of the show. Get Robert Randolph tickets at either the Brewery Shop, Stanley Theater, Sound Garden or ticketmaster.com. www.robertrandolph.net

Dark Star Orchestra (DSO)
Friday August 1, 2008
Gates open at 5:30 pm, show at 6:30 pm
Tickets are $22 in advance and $26 day of the show. Tickets are available at The Brewery Shop, Stanley Theater, Sound Garden & ticketmaster.com

2008 marks the 10 year anniversary for Saranac Thursdays. Thats right folks 10 years! That is quite an achievement. Usually things don't last 10 minutes here in Utica, NY to many fights, not enough support, or the businesses quits before it gets popular. I am happy this event became such a success. Enjoy it Utica, and lets make sure we keep it going!

Recent news has been a dark cloud hovering over summer fun for Saranac Thursday party goers. Officials are talking about raising the level of security at The Saranac Thursday parties held weekly at the Saranac Brewery. "They" are talking about limiting parking to available parking lots only, hand held video cameras and from what I gather a mobile air unit that can hover 30ft above the crowds to catch and zoom in on any situations that may occur.

Other than my fear of being caught drunk on camera by UPD, or being watched when unaware, I think that some of the actions may help. Emergency vehicles need access to bars if someone is in need or if a fight / riot might break out. The parking thing might end up causing issues though. If the city decides to close Varick Street and allow open containers... That would be fun for all, but I don't see that happening. I see the poeple who park on Varick getting tickets, and over crowded parking lots. For an event that averages 2000 people every Thursday I wonder if there are enough parking spots.

As you know I am a strong supporter of Saranac Thursday and I only hope that the heightened security will not spoil the fun, and it can make the event safer for all to attend.

May 29, 2008. Saranac Thursday has begun. Today is Friday, and half of Utica, NY and the Mohawk Valley is recovering from hangovers. It was a pretty good turn out for opening night of Saranac Thursday. The weather was.......?

The Bomb Played last night. The bomb is an OK party band but they didn't grab my attention like bands such as Sam Kininger or the Buhdda Hood did last year. The Bomb is a typicle cover band and definetly got the 45 year olds attendees riled up.

After Thursday night Brewery event, Varick Street was bumpin with lots of people heading to the after party at The Electric Company and all the other bars located in the brewery District. Even though there has been politicians talking about raising security at the event, I think most party goers were happy with everything minus maybe some of the parking availability.

Here are a few Pictures from Last nights events:

Finally, after weeks of searching and asking around, I got my hands on the schedule for bands at Saranac Thursday for 2008. Here it is.

2008 Saranac Thursday Line Up:

Thursday May 29 - The Bomb
Thursday June 5 - Under The Gun
Thursday June 12 - Gridley Paige
Thursday June 19 - Crazy Fools
Thursday June 26 - The Blarney Rebel Band
Thursday July 3 - The Reuben James
Thursday July 10 - Fulton Chain Gang
Thursday July 17 - The Morning After
Thursday July 24 - The Next
Thursday July 31 - The United Booty Foundation
Thursday August 7 - Dead Rose
Thursday August 14 - April Shroud
Thursday August 21 - The Retopolitans / Chokeslam
Thursday August 28 - Los Blancos
Thursday September 4 - Veil of Maya

Well most of you have either seen these bands at previous years Saranac Thursdays, or on the live music circuit in Central New York. This line-up has mostly decent bands and they should be worth the $5 admission to Saranac Thursday, after all in most cases people are there to drink and socialize, not pay close attention to the bands, they almost become background noise to your conversations in the court yard. I do notice that some people get quite involved in the music though and that is why they do it!

I have also seen that some of the bands on this list will be playing at some of the bars after to I didn't cross reference the dates yet, but you might find out you like a new band, and then get to seem them the following week at the Electric Company too. So check it out and get ready for Summer!

With Saranac Thursday season upon us, I have been digging around trying to find out who seems to have the best Parties lined up for after Saranac Thursday. Some people are just so busy scrambling to get things ready that I do not have a complete list to after party events to share with you. I don't even have a list of bands schedule to perform at the brewery yet. I hope they have a schedule, but I have been checking their website every day hoping it will be released.

I do however have a semi complete list of Bands that will be playing after the Saranac Thursday Block parties at the Electric Company on 700 Varick Street. (about a block away from FX Matts Brewery)

The Electric Companies Saranac Thursday After Party Performance Schedule:

• Thursday 6/5 - Dead Rose (rock) - Showtime: 8pm Cover: $2
• Thursday 6/12 - Reuben James - Showtime: 8pm Cover: $2
• Thursday 6/19 - Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook - Showtime: 8pm Cover: $5
• Thursday 6/26 - Zack Deputy - Showtime: 8pm Cover: $2
• Thursday 7/10 - The Retropolitians - Showtime: 8pm Cover: $2
• Thursday 7/17 - Crazy Fools - Showtime: 8pm Cover: $2
• Thursday 7/24 - Choke Slam w/ Brand New Sin - Showtime: 8pm Cover: $5
• Thursday 7/31 - The Goonies - Showtime: 8pm Cover: $3

This listing is pretty solid, and I think some of these bands will really leave you amazed. My favorite one of this List is Zack Deputy, He is a one man Band with an awesome Calypso sound, and it will be perfect for all the energy you are left with after the brewery shuts its gates.

As I mentioned above, I will post more as it unfolds but this is all I have at the moment for you Utica, NY party people.

Last night I went out to have a couple of Utica Clubs, and I got to talking to a couple of the bar owners who's places are the usual hot spots for a good Saranac Thursday after party. Even though it becomes some what of a hassle for them to manage the huge crowds, they seem to be excited about the up and coming spike in business.

I spoke with Zee from The Electric Company and he alerted me to all the great bands he has lined up for his Saranac Thursday After parties as well as the some of the bands he as selected to play after the Saranac Summer Concert Series. Lets just say this people... I was stoked! He didn't permit me to release his June schedule, because there were a few loose ends he needed to tie up but he did mention for the first Saranac Thusday he will have 2 bands playing (The Reissues & Brand New Joe) both bands are up and coming on the rock scene and will be worth the cover to see them play live on Varick Street.

There is also a new place planning to open up on Varick Street. I also talked to the owners of this bar or English Style Pub called Nail Creek Pub and Brewery. Christian Talgo and Tracy Smith told me they have been scrambling to get ready for the first Saranac Thursday, and reminded me that there is a lot of things to consider or get ready before they open their doors. Their intention is to be open for the first one though and hope everyone will like the new addition to Varick Street. I had a chance to pop my head in to the unfinished bar, and lets just say WOW! The have come a long way since they purchased the building. It's looking real good, and I'm excited to have a couple of their home made beers when its ready.

I haven't made it much further down the street, but did bump into a kid doing promotions for HolyRock this year, and he says they have their outdoor work of art set up for big parties to. Personally I haven't found the place to be to that cool of a bar yet, but it might be that the owner isn't from Utica and he's bringing in a bad New York City Vibe to the place. I went there a few time when they opened last year, bartenders were dickheads and other that the outdoor lounging areas nothing was to impressive. If he's smart he will try to follow after some of the better working models on Varick Street to make sure not to many other natives start to think like I do.

That is about it, I promise to keep you updated, so please check back again, I plan on posting the Saranac Thusday Line-Up as soon as its released, and even the Electric Company's line up for all of you live music lovers soon.

To the best of my knowledge this year is the first year ever that Saranac Thursday Starts in May. The official kick off date is May 29, 2008 I believe they always start at 5pm but usually don't get to make it there till around 5:30pm because that is when I get out of work.

Im excited to see the music line up and to see if the brewery will be doing any new things with Saranac Thursday this year. I went to their website (saranac.com), and they do not have a schedule up yet of who is playing and when, but I know the people who put this together so I'm sure you will enjoy it. Even if you don't, at least you can enjoy the beer, the people and the summer!


This year I'm going to do something different and unprecedented. Starting with the first Saranac Thursday going on this May, I am going to play the role of a critic, and I am going to write about the music, the crowd, the beer and all of the happenings for every Saranac Thursday from this point on.


Hopefully it will be fun, I plan to post pictures and get quotes from party goers, brewery employees and the traveling bands. We'll see how it pans out, but this is my goal.


I know there will be a few Thursdays when I will be out of town so hopefully I can get some trust worthy guest writers to fill in during my absence.


Why me? Your asking yourself why this guy, who is he? Why is he going to write about this, does he work for the brewery? Well heres why... No I do not and am not currently affiliated with the brewery, this is not for promotion of the brewery, Saranac Thursday, or Saranac Beer. Thats why I think you'll want to read it because it will be truthful, overbearing and ridiculous at times but I will do my best to remain honest to all that is said in this blog. Back to me, My name is Jay Sumner, a Utica NY native. I am also a brewery lover, and a Saranac Thursday Alumni, I have been going to them since it was a small scale thing, since they first created it. So I would like to assume that I am well informed as to where it started and what it has become.


Please, if you are interested subscribe to this blog, and read my Saranac Thursday Report, hopefully it will make you laugh and give you an opportunity to see something you might have missed during the nights events. Also check in for special Thursday night events and find out where the best places are to go party after the brewery closes their gates.