"We're trying to do something that nobody's doing in Albany," says Mancini, owner of Pauly's Hotel. "We're trying to bring some attention to the great live blues we have in this region."
Mancini's decision to pair this live blues line-up with Pitmaster Sean Custer's award-winning barbecue is a match made in hog heaven. Custer's Capital Q has won Metroland's "Best Barbecue Restaurant" four years running--the same amount of time they've been open, Custer points out on his website.
Meanwhile, Mancini's reopened bar has been making a splash on the local blues scene for its consistent line-up of blues powerhouses and national acts. June's calendar features some real headliners, including Hallertau on 6/1 Citizen Genet on 6/2, Tom Healey on 6/9 and Markellis-Haskel-Maul on 6/29.
The Ribbin' & Blues is a brand-new event, and part of Mancini's ongoing efforts to turn this block into a happening spot. "We're trying to derail some of the negative perceptions that are out there, to show people it is a safe area, and that it's an up-and-coming area," says Mancini.
It also might be an up-and-coming area for blues music; in July, the Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Center will host the Capital Region Blues Network's International Blues Challenge, a contest to crown the region's best blues band.
Ribbin' and Blues is free and open to the public. The event starts at 12pm on June 2. Pauly's Hotel is located at 337 Central Avenue on the corner of Quail and Central. Pay parking is adjacent at 339 Central Avenue. (518) 426-0828.
