Ned Moran and Tony Falco (photo by Rafael Quirindongo)
Can you say “indefatigable”? Neither can I. But that’s what Tony Falco is: tireless.
The creator and owner of the Falcon in Marlboro, one of the finest, most innovative music venues in the mid-Hudson region, has made a near-perfect music concept better still with the addition of another venue embedded in the Falcon’s existing nest. It’s called the Falcon Underground, and it enlarges on themes and practices that have made the Falcon such an exemplary place for enjoying live music – and good food.
Shame on you if you’ve never been there during its seven-year existence. The building is a former 19th-century button factory that’s perched alongside Marlboro Falls, a stunning geological gift to the patrons who love to lounge on the Falcon’s outdoor patios and watch the world rush by.
The Underground has been a while in the making; until recently, it was little more than a storage area with lousy acoustics. The came the doors: 115 of them, rescued from Zaborsky’s Emporium in Kingston and installed on the room’s ceiling below a sophisticated acoustic system designed by John Storyk, who designed Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studios.
Better even than the ceiling are the walls, where the Avalon Archives Museum of Roots, Rock & Roll has been permanently installed. The loving labor of founder, director and curator Ned Moran, the archives feature rare and obscure photos, posters, album covers, books and recordings that are guaranteed to send anyone with the slightest acquaintance with American music into a swoon. (The thousands of albums along one wall will be available for headphoned listening as soon as the turntables arrive.)
Falco has never veered from his early commitment not only to top-drawer musical presentations, but also to local talent, be it well- or barely known. So it comes as no surprise that the Falcon Underground food-and-beverage menu is all-New York, all of the time.
The Deco-style bar was rescued from Marlboro’s venerable 40 Western tavern. Only New York beer, wine and spirits are served on it. And, even though the Falcon already has a first-class kitchen upstairs at its main stage, the Underground will have its own kitchen that will serve up gastropub fare using local produce wherever possible, with a $12 per entrée limit.
And then there’s the music. Every Wednesday of the month will have a different performance theme, ranging from an open-mic session to an evening of jazz to roots and rock night and finally a night of poetry. Each night will be hosted by men and women who know whereof they speak and perform.
If there’s a musical base that Falco hasn’t touched yet, it remains to be seen. And when it is, count on him to touch it and make it sing.
The Falcon’s “pub beneath the club” at 1348 Route 9W in Marlboro is open on Wednesday as well as Friday through Sunday. Check the club’s website, www.liveatthefalcon.com, for the performance schedule and further information.