Menu:

Empire Evenings

Wednesday

Wednesday evening the conference kicks off with an informal welcome-to-Albany reception and barbecue at the Pride Center of the Capital Region (formerly the Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council) from 5:30-8:30 PM. Please join us for good food, good company and a tour of the oldest continuously operating LGBT Community Center in the country. The Center is at 332 Hudson Avenue in the historic Center Square neighborhood, with many friendly bars, restaurants, and shops nearby.

Thursday

Thursday evening we'll be heading out to a brewery tour, beer and ale tasting, and dinner, as we visit the C. H. Evans Brewing Company at the Albany Pump Station, Albany's premier location for food and hand crafted beer. As described on their website: "With up to 10 in-house brews to choose from, The Pump Station is sure to have something for every beer lover. We enjoy creating a warm and friendly atmosphere and want to make your visit a memorable one. Experience the history and atmosphere that makes the Albany Pump Station one of Albany's most unique venues! The space is simply amazing."

Friday

ABB Event and J.A.M Productions, Albany's Premier Theatrical Organization, best known in The Capitol Region for presenting Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues" for the past 5 years, and the producers of "The Real Story of Little Red Riding Hood" and "History of the Carols" are proud to present a very special production... Toy Chest Trauma!

Join us for an exciting and interactive murder mystery show where you become part of the action! "Toy Chest Trauma" revolves around a young girl, her missing Bear, Theodore Rosy-Felt, and a group of energetic, over-zealous toys, one of whom is responsible for the Bear's disappearance. You, as a member of the audience, help solve the crime by working with other guests to decipher clues and come up with answers as to who perpetrated the crime and why! Is it the comical Jacqueline in the Box? Or perhaps Biscuits, the Adorable Patchwork Puppy? Could it be Barbara, the Glamour Doll or Judith, The Princess Puppet, or is it one of the many other toys that come to life before your eyes in this exciting night of "who done it" entertainment?

What sounds like an innocent night of children's entertainment turns into a bawdy, hilarious romp — filled with sexual innuendo, side-splitting humor and outlandish characters! It's a "Toy Story" for adults that you won't want to miss!


Saturday
Saturday night brings our Banquet Gala, and dressing to the nines is encouraged! This will be the Debutante Ball for those of us taking part in Lady Ellen's Charm School. In addition to an elegant dinner, and the coming out ceremony for the lovely schoolgirls, there will be entertainment from Albany singer-songwriter Melissa G. Clark, and dancing to music from DJ Truemaster.