Just before Christmas, music manager Sidney McDonald gave away the store! The CEO of Everi Exposure Entertainment gave his Albany location at 64 Central to single mother Nagia Gardener, after signing a groundbreaking deal that merges the world of music, boxing and mixed martial arts.
McDonald spent time "in the 518" and says he wanted to open a location there to motivate the youngsters. In September, he shot Ballston Spa artist Austin's "Champion" video right on Central Avenue and other parts of Albany. The video features Lil Wayne protege Lil Chuckee, and attracted huge crowds. "I just wanted to give the whole area the chance to see that anything is possible...that even big names can walk on Central Avenue," McDonald says.
The song and video "Champion" went on to premiere at a broadcast of a fight that propelled Jimy "The Kid" Hettes into UFC stardom, giving fans a taste of what was to come.
The merger with MMA Melee was announced in August. Another deal with Evander Holyfield and Ray J was announced in December.
McDonald says his latest deal with icons like Holyfield and Ray J will "change the face of entertainment." He's going places and the storefront in Albany was his Christmas gift to Albany. "I just wanted to give something back to the 518," he says.