Jan. 3, 2002 – For the first "Friday Night Alternative" of the new year, there'll be more of the same and quite likely something new, too.
In addition to house keyboard/vocals artist Sally Smith, drummer "Mr. B." and some of the other regulars, "I think we may have a surprise visit from a new musician or two," organizer Corinne Van Rensselaer says.
"New" artists are getting harder and harder to come by, as so many from the local music scene have already stopped by and sat in over the months since "Friday Night Alternative" got started. Jazz, blues, folk music and more have become standard offerings, with other genres in evidence as their performers take a turn at the microphone.
The evening of live music and good company takes place on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Marlin Deck overlooking the American Yacht Harbor marina. Exactly where on the long, broad deck is just outside The Color of Joy, Van Rensselaer's art gallery and boutique in the Red Hook shopping complex.
The enticements also include complimentary wine, cheese and crackers; a video "to entertain the kids and a few of the adults" provided by Red Hook Video; and an opportunity to peruse the artwork in the gallery and perhaps take a chance on the current raffle, of a framed print of hibiscus blossoms.
Raffle tickets are $5, and they can be purchased during regular gallery hours, too, with drawings held on the final Friday of each month. The raffles and the sale of "Friday Night Alternative" T-shirts are fund-raising efforts aimed at meeting the costs of "keeping the show on the deck."
