Stan and Shen Show

Kayla Ek returns to talk May Nightmare Market on Jay Street

Shenan and I both think we work hard... nope!  Kayla Ek, the brain trust behind two Nightmare Market events on Jay Street and beyond in Schenectady, stays awake at night thinking about things different and unusual. She is the creator, curator, graphic designer, and genius behind the event that invites the different, the weird, and more to the Electric City three times a year... for now! Just days away from the May Nightmare Market, she talks about the growth, the support, and the joy in this event that is so different, you HAVE to see it to believe it!

American Idiot at SLOC with Michaela Torres and Adrienne Parker

Schenectady Light Opera Company will close out its 99th season beginning Friday with ‘American Idiot,’ a rock opera driven by the music of the alt-rock band Green Day, as young adults react to the events of 9/11. Shenandoah Briere and I were fortunate and grateful to host co-director Michaela Torres and actor Adrienne Parker, who plays the role of 'Whatshername' in the podcast studio before opening night. The 30-somethings in the room, all outnumbering Stan, recounted where they were on 9/11, how their lives changed, and what this musical, rock-opera, and the music of Green Day elicits from them. It does get heavy at times, including when Torres vividly recounts waiting for a phone call from New York while still living with her very pregnant mother on 9/11. But not for long. It's a music, reflective look at politics and society, along with a short listen to what's in store at American Idiot at SLOC.

Digging into this year's Schenectady Tater Trot

Like finding more eyes on a potato, the entries to this year's Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp's [DSIC] annual Tater Trot keep growing. Daily Gazette Business Editor Stan Hudy sat down with DSIC Promotions Coordinator Shenandoah Briere and talked about all things potato - in food form, in dog form, and in song and taste for this episode of The Stan and Shen Show. The April 25 event begins at 11 a.m., and the spud run isn't over until 3 p.m., giving attendees plenty of time to visit all 17 participants to try a 3-ounce potato-based dish sample for $1. Tater Trot participants will be able to vote for the most spud-tacular dish, along with the dishes they thought were had the best presentation, creativity, and flavor. There is other food news as Stewart's delivers new flavors, and honestly, one was a dud. Email the show at StanandShen@gmail.com [StanandShen@gmail.com] for more show ideas and nice things to say!

Kristen Hislop talks Delightful Run for Women and the challenges are afoot!

Kristen Hislop is no stranger to running, including road running and marathon running, as well as managing operations at the annual Delightful Run for Women 5 K on May 30. She brought her running shoes and expertise into the podcast studio to challenge Shen for this year's race, which in turn became a challenge for Stan; he accepted. Now the race is on [https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Albany/DelightfulRunForWomen]. The hour raced by quickly as the trio talked about the sport, the race, and how the female-only race empowers women with the assistance of friends, families, and runners like Stan, who can take part in the 'Lift Her 5k [https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Albany/LiftHer5K]' virtual race. Stay tuned for training updates and how close Stan can make it to Shen's final race time! The links: Run for Women: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Albany/DelightfulRunForWomen [https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Albany/DelightfulRunForWomen] Lift Her 5k: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Albany/LiftHer5K [https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Albany/LiftHer5K]

Stella Pasta Bar & Bistro jives with April's Jazz Month inside the Van Dyck Music Club

Stella Pasta Bar & Bistro co-owner Chris Sule loves music, food, and people ... all have come together as his vision of the upstairs Van Dyck Music Club has been revitalized and will be celebrated throughout April, National Jazz Appreciation Month.   The podcast hosts, Stan Hudy and Shenandoah Briere, stopped by Stella Pasta Bar & Bistro to sit with Chris and talk about music, food, a lot about food, the upcoming shows at Van Dyck Music Club, and more. The hour went quickly, filled with laughs, memories, and more. Of course, just like jazz, the podcast is very fluid and free-flowing. Enjoy.