Albany, NY. The capital of New York State, Halfway between Montreal and New York City. It's on the Hudson River, and was founded by the Dutch East India Company. It is the oldest chartered city in the U.S. Population is about 100,000. It's a fairly green and friendly city, I think. It is home to four colleges, State University at Albany being the largest.

The music scene is variable. There are a couple of "traditional pubs." The biggest folk event actually happens in a little town called Altamont, a few miles west of the city. This would be the Old Songs Festival of which many of you are already aware. Altamont is also home to Andy's Front Hall, which is a fabulously fabulous traditional music, recording and instrument store. There is also an organization called the Eighth Step, which brings in good concerts. They recently moved out of the city into a suburb though.